Iron Dog History

The first Iron Dog event started in 1984, in Big Lake following the Northern Route of the Historic Iditarod Trail to Nome. The event began as the “Iron Dog Iditarod”, but the name was quickly changed the next year to the “Gold Rush Classic”, in 1990 the race was recognized as the “Iron Dog Gold Rush Classic” for a decade until Tesoro Corporation became a title sponsor, thus recognizing today’s event as the Tesoro Iron Dog.

Today’s Iron Dog course length 1971 miles, starting in Big Lake to Nome and finishing in Fairbanks, making it the World’s longest snowmobile race. Participants must traverse in some of Alaska’s the most remote and rugged terrain while confronting some the harshest winter conditions. Survival skills are essential, making it the World’s toughest snowmobile race. All teams in race classes are a team of two persons and two snowmobiles for safety.

The Iron Dog offers a non-competitive recreational class giving adventure seekers an opportunity to travel 1100 miles on the Northern Route of Historic Iditarod Trail to Nome. These teams of two or more travel the same race trail as the Pro Class Teams.

Iron Dog, Inc. brings a World Class Event across the State of Alaska each February impacting over twenty five Alaskan communities beginning with the “Tesoro Iron Dog Safety EXPO” January 31, 2009 in Wasilla, AK. This EXPO provides a unique winter recreational trade show that brings in industry vendors, promotes snowmobile safety and education through seminars, and a face to face opportunity for the fans and media to meet with notable Iron Dog athletes.

February 8th Race Event Start includes fundraising activities, vendor booths and a patriotic celebration start. February 11th marks the half way point for the racers and a finish for the trail class, in the city of Nome. The Nome Halfway Banquet brings the race participants and fans together with celebration awards, tales from the trail, slide show presentations, and prizes. February 14th, the Pro Class participant’s race into Fairbanks chasing one of the many contingency awards based on the fastest team between two check points crossing the finish line. Teams are held in the City of Tanana before Fairbanks in order to have the teams cross the Finish line in a two hour window for spectator viewing. A finishing banquet celebration is held the evening of the Finish. The 2009 Awards Banquet will be held at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Race participation has been averaging 35-40 teams with an average of 18-22 recreational riders.

Iron Dog is a proud leader in the snowmobile sports community promoting snowmobile safety and outdoor education through trade shows, seminars and community events.