Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race 2025 in Alaska

Join an old Alaskan tradition—a long dog race across the state!

Dates: March 1–16, 2025

If dog sledding isn't on your list of things to try, you can still experience a quintessential Alaskan tradition—the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which takes place on the first Saturday of March. For those with experience, there’s even an opportunity to participate in this legendary race.

Event Highlights

The Iditarod dog race is the biggest sports event in early spring in Alaska. Although the roots of this tradition go much deeper, the first big race was organized in 1908. Competitors with their 16-dog teams have to overcome a difficult path from Anchorage to Nome, which is 1161 miles (1868 km) away.

This year, the race start is set for Anchorage on March 1, 2025 — marking the 53rd anniversary of the "Last Great Race." The final finisher of the race is awarded the Red Lantern Award to honor their perseverance.

Race Start

The iconic Iditarod course kicks off on Fourth Avenue at D Street, with the race route extending to the Campbell Creek Science Center. Spectators gather at the start line downtown or choose a spot further along the 11-mile stretch through Anchorage for an up-close view of the teams. The next day, after a restart in Willow, the mushers and their dogs face harsh conditions and push their limits as they journey across the trail. The course spans roughly 1,000 miles, and it is an incredible challenge that usually takes from eight to seventeen days.

Activities

Besides the race, there are also various activities for those who don't participate, such as picnics, banquets, sports meetings, dog training, etc. The Iditarod begins alongside several other exciting winter events. Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, one of the largest winter festivals in the world, wraps up its 10-day celebration on the weekend of the Iditarod. On the afternoon following the start of the race, the Running of the Reindeer takes place, where participants race down Fourth Avenue alongside live reindeer. Saturday also offers the Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market and a snow sculpture competition, ensuring a full day of festivities.