Iron Dog 38 forges ahead with 2022 race plan

Iron Dog 38 forges ahead with 2022 race plan
COVID-19 vaccinations will not be required, but negative tests will

Proving that even a worldwide pandemic can’t stop tradition, the World’s Longest Toughest Snowmobile Race is on for 2022. Iron Dog 38 will take a page from 2021’s successful event, which followed strict mitigation procedures that kept racers, volunteers and spectators along the racecourse safe. 

“Iron Dog happened in 2021 because racers and community leaders came together and complied with a plan that worked,” said Mike Vasser, last year’s interim Iron Dog executive director and current board member. “One reason that the plan worked so well was because it was built based on the direction of experts with input from racers and community leaders. … As a result, not one racer or staff member tested positive.”

The 2022 Expedition Class riders will depart Feb. 17, with the Pro Class racers following on Feb. 19. Participants will not be required to be vaccinated, but all racers must undergo COVID-19 testing to ensure negative results before being allowed on the course.  

“We’re leaving the vaccination decision up to the racers, but we are following CDC guidelines for testing,” said Bob Menne, Iron Dog’s new executive director. “In 2021 we executed a comprehensive COVID-19 plan based on recommendations from Dr. Wade Erickson, physician and founder of Capstone Clinic, and Stan James of Valley Imaging Center. The race was successful, safe, competitive, and brought enjoyment to communities across our state and throughout the snowmobile industry worldwide. We are again working closely with experts to establish a comprehensive plan that ensures our tradition continues while keeping racers, volunteers, staff and the communities we travel through safe.”

Dr. Erickson, founder of Capstone Clinic and 2022 ambassador class representative, is helping oversee Iron Dog’s COVID-19 protocol. 

“While we strongly encourage vaccination for those who volunteer or participate in Iron Dog 2022, it is imperative that we test all involved in the race to ensure the safety of our host villages,” he said. “Last year’s race was a resounding success, demonstrating that life can go on using simple mitigation strategies.”

Dr. Erickson said prevention will be the goal. 

“The safety of our partner communities, participants, and volunteers comes first and foremost,” he said. “The most effective way to do this is to ensure there will not be any infected participants on the trail. Our plan is to implement a comprehensive testing program similar to the one we used during the 2021 race when the vaccines were not readily available to the public.”

Racers will test at various checkpoints along the way, he added. Furthermore, masks will be encouraged per CDC guidelines. 

“The Iron Dog will be limiting the number of volunteers traveling on behalf of Iron Dog and instead will utilize locals from each village to man their respective checkpoints,” Dr. Erickson said. “We will suggest Iron Dog participants follow CDC guidelines regarding the wearing of masks and require them to adhere to additional requirements implemented by each individual village.”

“We acknowledge that there are challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitating a safe snowmachine race through communities,” Menne said. “We are doing everything we can to make this a successful and safe race.”

More information about the 2022 Iron Dog racecourse and COVID-19 plan will be finalized in the coming weeks. To share your input, offer volunteer services or to sponsor this Iconic Alaskan event and ensure the tradition continues please contact director@irondog.org, or call 907-563-4414. The Iron Dog began in 1984 as the “Iron Dog Iditarod.” Today, 38 years later, it is known as The Iron Dog and spans more than 2,600 miles starting in Southcentral, with a halfway stop in Nome, then around the Kotzebue Loop, before returning to Big Lake. The World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race is in the final planning stages to achieve a safe and successful 2022 race. The race will begin on Feb. 17, 2022, with the Expedition Class start, followed by the Pro Class start on Feb. 19, 2022. (www.irondog.org)