<P> The `` Golden Harness '' is most frequently given to the lead dog or dogs of the winning team . However , it is decided by a vote of the mushers , and in 2008 was given to Babe , the lead dog of Ramey Smyth , the 3rd - place finisher . Babe was almost 11 years old when she finished the race , and it was her ninth Iditarod . The `` Rookie of the Year '' award is given to the musher who places the best among those finishing their first Iditarod . A red lantern signifying perseverance is awarded to the last musher to cross the finish line . The size of the purse determines how many mushers receive cash prizes . For the 2013 edition of the race , the total purse was US $600,000 , to be divided by the top 30 finishers , with every finisher below 30th place receiving $1,049 . The first - place winner receives a new pickup truck and $69,000 as of 2015 . </P>
<P> The `` Golden Harness '' is most frequently given to the lead dog or dogs of the winning team . However , it is decided by a vote of the mushers , and in 2008 was given to Babe , the lead dog of Ramey Smyth , the 3rd - place finisher . Babe was almost 11 years old when she finished the race , and it was her ninth Iditarod . The `` Rookie of the Year '' award is given to the musher who places the best among those finishing their first Iditarod . A red lantern signifying perseverance is awarded to the last musher to cross the finish line . The size of the purse determines how many mushers receive cash prizes . For the 2013 edition of the race , the total purse was US $600,000 , to be divided by the top 30 finishers , with every finisher below 30th place receiving $1,049 . The first - place winner receives a new pickup truck and $69,000 as of 2015 . </P>
how much money does the iditarod winner get
how much money does the iditarod winner get
$69,000
$69,000