Date
Sunday
Mar

March 2-17

Iditarod Race

Experience the thrill of the Iditarod Race! Brave the chill and cheer on heroic mushers and dogs across the grand Alaskan wilderness.

Type
Week

Introduction

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on March 2, as we join in the excitement of the Iditarod Race, famously known as "The Last Great Race on Earth"! This unique event began back in 1973, driven by the idea of preserving the historic sled dog culture in Alaska and the important role it played in the state's heritage. With a snow-filled course of about a thousand miles spanning from Anchorage to Nome, the Iditarod Race is a pure testament of endurance, courage, and bonding between mushers and their canine companions. Prepare to be inspired as we celebrate not just a race, but also an indomitable spirit of grit, resilience, and incredible team work!

Iditarod Race Timeline

1925
Serum Run to Nome
A relay of 20 musher teams navigates through heavy blizzards to deliver life-saving diphtheria serum to Nome, inspiring the Iditarod Race.
1966
Iditarod Trail Committee Formation
Dorothy G. Page forms the Iditarod Trail Committee with the intent of preserving the historic sled dog legacy.
1973
First Iditarod Race
The inaugural Iditarod Race takes place, aiming to commemorate the historic 1925 serum run and Alaskan mushers' tradition.
1977
Inclusion in International Sled Dog Racing
The race gains international recognition when it is included as a regular circuit in the International Federation of Sleddog Sports.
1986
First Woman to Win Iditarod
Libby Riddles becomes the first woman to win the grueling Iditarod Race under treacherous weather conditions.
2005
Fastest Victory Time
Musher Martin Buser sets the fastest victory time ever, finishing the race in 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes, and 2 seconds.

How to Celebrate Iditarod Race

1

Follow the race online

Get front-row seats to the exhilarating event by keeping track of the race's progress online in real time. There are several websites that provide live tracking, enabling you to root for your favorite mushers and teams even from the comfort of home.

2

Host an Iditarod themed party

Gather your fellow dog and winter sports enthusiasts for an Iditarod-themed party. Use sled dog and Alaskan decorations, serve winter comfort food, and run a race prediction contest for added fun.

3

Adopt a dog team

Many of the race teams offer “Adopt a Dog” events or fundraising efforts where you can donate to a particular team. This way, you directly support the mushers and their faithful dogs and also become part of their journey.

4

Visit a sled dog kennel

Get a close-up look at the heroes of the race by visiting a sled dog kennel. This is an opportunity to learn about the training, discipline, and immense care that goes into preparing for the competition.

5

Read about historic races

Immerse yourself in the rich history and incredible tales of past Iditarod races. Numerous books and documentaries offer a closer look at the gripping stories of determination, survival, and teamwork that define this iconic event.

Why We Love Iditarod Race

A

We admire the courage and determination

The Iditarod Race is a great testament to the human spirit's resilience and strength. The mushers braving the harsh Alaskan wilderness show us that no obstacle is too big when you're fighting for something you believe in - in this case, preserving a beautiful and unique part of Alaskan heritage.

B

It showcases the bond between mushers and their dogs

What better way to see the incredible bond between human and dog than through the Iditarod Race? These teams navigate thousand miles of wilderness together, relying entirely on each other for survival - it's a masterclass in trust, loyalty, and teamwork.

C

It's an exciting event with various ways to participate

You can follow the race online, host a themed party or even adopt a dog team. These many ways to participate make it inclusive and fun, whether you're an avid dog lover or an adventure junkie. It's a shared experience that brings us all together every year.