2014 Registration Extended

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2013IRON DOG 2014 REGISTRATION EXTENDEDDue to unexpected late interest and overwhelming demand, the Iron Dog Board of Directors has voted to extend the entry deadline for Pro Class teams who wish to enter the 2014 race. The extended registration period ends November 15, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Alaska time.This decision comes with stipulations: 1) All teams entered after the regular deadline of October 31, 2013 will be automatically placed at the end of the starting positions without the need for a drawing. These teams will leave in the order that their registrations are received. 2) Eligibility is also contingent on receiving all required documentation, which must be received by the November 15, 2013 deadline.“We were pleasantly surprised to hear from several teams that wanted to enter the race but had been waiting for support or other extenuating circumstances that pushed their decisions beyond the regular registration period. I’m supportive of welcoming more participation, so long as we make it equitable for everyone,” said Kevin Kastner, Executive Director. “There is also some historical precedence for later registration periods, years ago the registration ended as late as mid-December. In 2011, the deadline was set for the last day of November.”About Iron DogFor more than 30 years, the Iron Dog continues to provide a truly Alaskan event for both racers and spectators to enjoy. Covering over 2,031 miles of some of Alaska’s harshest terrain, in temperatures frequently dipping to 20 degrees below zero, the Iron Dog is beginning to draw more Outside participation. With continued support from the Alaska National Guard, the world’s longest, toughest snowmobile race is excited to welcome four Pro Class teams from Maine and more racers from Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Alberta and Newfoundland.From the grassroots efforts of a few thrill seekers in 1983, the groundwork for what we now know as the Iron Dog, began with a handful of two-man teams racing over 1,000 miles from Wasilla to Nome. Today, this world famous race has grown significantly in size, distance and recognition and shows no signs of slowing down. With over 100 racers leaving Big Lake at the start of the 2014 race, the Iron Dog celebrates another year with a high number of racers taking off for Nome more than 70 of them leaving with plans and hopes to continue on to Fairbanks.As usual, there’s no doubt this year’s race will be exciting and unpredictable. Spectators and fans are encouraged to attend the start of the race on Sunday, February 17, 2014 on Big Lake; at the finish in Fairbanks, the first team is expected to cross the finish line at approximately 12:30 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2014. All fans can follow live coverage of the race on KTUU Channel 2 as well as real time updates via a GPS tracking system on the Iron Dog website, www.irondog.org.Contact: Kevin Kastner, Iron Dog, 907-563-4414 media@irondog.org