Like The Iditarod, But With A Chance Of Drowning

The extreme sports calendar includes epic yacht races, such as the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race, underway now, and the America's Cup. There are also non-motorized races through wilderness such as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Now comes another endurance contest with ample drama, but without the need for big sponsorships. Everything from a souped-up paddleboard, to custom rowing craft, to high-performance carbon fiber sailboats have been entered in the inaugural Race to Alaska.

An unexpectedly large group of adventure seekers will launch on Thursday from Port Townsend, Washington, and race up the Inside Passage to Southeast Alaska. From the Here & Now Contributors Network, Tom Banse of Northwest News Network has a preview.