For the first time, the race will run two laps to its halfway point and back. Mushers agree it’s the safest way to run the race, but it could present challenges.

Four teams had scratched as of 7 p.m. Saturday because of the icy conditions, said Kuskokwim 300 race director Madelene Reichard. "It's the same thing for all of them," Reichard said. "The dogs aren't used to running on the ice, and people were wanting to keep their dogs healthy."

4-13-14 River ice treacherous - Bethel, Alaska, USA

Sled dog racing season officially began on the Kuskokwim this weekend. Listen now

This is the second year in a row that people from Chuathbaluk are able to use boats (skiffs) on the Kuskokwim River in November.

Multiple storms and warm weather in St. Mary's.

Unusually warm temperatures for an extended period this winter has affected the ability to travel because the river isn't freezing over.

"Our roads are slippery when there would be snow to where the children were out with their sled. Planes never cancelled as much as this year to where the flights were backed up to 3 or 4 days. Lately, we've been seeing grasses regrowing after it warms up out there."