The Iditarod Dog Sled Race, often called "The Last Great Race on Earth," is not just a test of endurance and skill for the mushers and their sled dogs, but a vibrant homage to the historical significance of sled dogs in Alaska. This multiday competition covers roughly 1,000 miles of Alaska's most unforgiving and picturesque terrain, from Anchorage to Nome, through forests, over mountain ranges, and across frozen rivers.
Each year, as winter holds Alaska in its icy grip, teams from around the world gather to take part in this iconic race. The Iditarod celebrates not only the incredible athleticism of the sled dogs, whose stamina and spirit are unmatched but also the deep bond between musher and dog as they navigate the wilderness together.
The Race Begins - Tips for Watching
Plan to be in Alaska
Review the Iditarod Calendar to find the current year's start dates and times.
Choose Your Start Location
There are 2 starts for Iditarod;
Downtown Anchorage for the Ceremonial Race Start
Race Re-Start on Willow Lake. Parking is extremely limited in Willow so save yourself the hassle and take the shuttle!
We recommend going to the Willow start.
There is an excitement in the air that the ceremonial show start just doesn’t have.
We highly recommend taking the shuttle from Wasilla as parking is almost non existent in Willow. Here is the shuttle info.
We recommend walking down the trail, maybe even to the next lake over and finding a spot along the trail. That way you can see the teams come by. The actual start line is very congested, several people deep.
To watch the Anchorage Ceremonial Race Start;
We recommend avoiding the downtown start and heading the Campbell Airstrip/Bicentennial Park - it’s the ending point of the restart & a great place to actually see the teams up close. From the parking lot, cross the bridge and you will be on the trail.
Be prepared to stand in the snow and be outside all day.
It can be really nice and warm (30+ ) or it can be below zero.
Bring a couple changes of socks, toe and hand warmers are great too.
Wear all your warmest clothes, it is very cold to stand around, even if the temps are “warm”.
If you bring camp chairs, bring blankets and warm drinks to help keep you warm.
Stay off the trail while the racers go by, they will be going fast!
Other Tips
The local newspaper prints the bib numbers so you can see who you are looking at.
There are usually food vendors at the community center but plan on being self sufficient as where you’ll go to see the teams is very far away.
Ways to Follow the Race
After the start, there are very few easily accessible viewing locations, so we recommend watching virtually. Below are some of the virtual options;
Sign up for the Iditarod Insider subscription to get the real-time GPS tracking (free version means you can get email notifications about 1 racer or for the GPS option + video, you can monitor all the racers and see their progress in real-time plus get to see interviews with the mushers along the trail.
Follow @theiditarod on Instagram
Check the standings here each day or catch the live broadcasts here.
The Iditapod Podcast
With mushers not being allowed to share updates along the trail, they usually add pics to Instagram & Facebook after the race and bring you a post-race blog if they have one. With the Iditarod being a historic and prestigious dog sled race, fans all over the world are eager to keep up with the action.
The Iditarod is more than just a race; it's a testament to the human spirit, the bond between musher and sled dogs, and a celebration of Alaskan culture. While the trail may be long and challenging, the stories that emerge from this legendary event are of perseverance, teamwork, and adventure.
Engaging with the race through social media, live broadcasts, and podcasts not only brings fans closer to the action but also provides a deeper understanding of the dedication and hard work required to compete. Until next year's race, keep following your favorite mushers as they prepare for another adventure on Alaska's frozen tundra.