Earlier this year I was looking at my schedule at work and the (admittedly massive) list I have of travel dream trips and seeing where certain things lined up. Despite having moved to Florida a few years ago I still have some cold destinations on the list, and it worked out that going to the starts(s) of the Iditarod dog race in Alaska lined up perfectly.
I mentally languished at the idea of freezing in one of North America’s northern-most cities, but the thrill of witnessing the start of the Iditarod completely made up for the negative temperatures I’d need to endure – and endure for long amounts of time. Before going any further it’s probably best to answer the first, most important question –
What is the Iditarod?
The Iditarod is an iconic dogsled race held annually in Alaska. It’s often called “The Last Great Race on Earth.” Mushers and teams of dogs cover nearly a thousand miles from Anchorage to Nome, through the Alaskan wilderness, battling harsh conditions and rugged terrain. I even learned, while I was there, that mushers aren’t allowed to receive outside support either – they must complete the race unaided, or count on other mushers to stop and provide help if they need it – or they can get disqualified.
Origins and Significance:
- The race traces its roots back to the early 1900s when the Iditarod Trail served as a lifeline for Alaskan communities. Native Alaskans used this trail for hunting, travel, and survival.
- During the gold rush, dog teams delivered mail, supplies, and gold along this historic route. Nome, a town established during the gold discoveries, depended on dog sleds for survival.
- Contrary to popular belief, the Iditarod doesn’t commemorate the 1925 diphtheria antitoxin delivery to Nome (that’s another race—the Serum Run).
- The first official Iditarod race took place in 1973, won by Dick Wilmarth.
Modern Relevance:
- Today, the Iditarod remains a testament to the enduring bond between mushers and their loyal dog teams.
- It celebrates Alaska’s rich heritage, resilience, and the spirit of adventure.
- The race also highlights the importance of preserving traditional dog sledding skills in an era of modern technology.
Anchorage, Alaska
I arrived in Anchorage on February 29th, unfortunately too late to be able to attend the Musher’s Banquet held that evening, during which musher’s draw for their starting position in the race. I settled into a conveniently located AirBnB and prepared for the days ahead. March 1st I would visit the downtown area to get a lay-of-the-land, pick up my race bib for the Running of the Reindeer, and visit the festival grounds to see if there were any pre-festivities going on, but really the reason I was here was to watch the “Ceremonial Start” of the race in downtown Anchorage on March 2nd and then the “Official Restart” on March 3rd up North in Willow.
The trip went as planned, with stunning views, amazing dog teams, reindeer races, and more. Check out the video below!