Well, they had to rail-car snow in from Fairbanks, but the Iditarod Committee was not going to miss the traditional Ceremonial Start in Anchorage. Trent left the start gate at about 2:05 MT today. They've shortened the ceremonial leg from over 10 miles to about 3 miles this year due to the snow challenge. Trent, Jake, and Bear will pack up the team early afternoon Alaksa time and head up to a friend's kennel near Willow to spend the evening and get some rest for the big day tomorrow.
I'm sure Trent would consider the Gillette offer described by the Iditarod commentators.