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The movie is a fictionalized account of the 1917 Winnipeg-to-St. Paul dog-sled race, sponsored by the Great Northern Railway. The main character in the movie, Will Stoneman, is based on two real-life participants in the 1917 race: Albert Campbell, the eventual winner, a mixed-blood Cree trapper from Manitoba who endured harassment from his racist competitors throughout the race; Fred Hartman, one of only two U.S participants, touted as a hero during the race by U.S newspapers. His sled dogs fought among themselves and his lead dog was killed. The other U.S racer dropped out two days before the finish but Fred continued, coming in last and then collapsed. J.W. Harper, the president of the St. Paul Winter Carnival in the movie, is based on Louis W. Hill, son of railroad magnate James J. Hill, president of the Great Northern Railroad.

The "x-back" style of harness that Will's dogs wear was not invented until the 1970s.

The first name of the reporter Harry Kingsley (played by Kevin Spacey) appears in the end credits as "Kermit".

Featured in Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: Intersection/The Air Up There/Body Snatchers/Iron Will/Hoop Dreams (1994)