The longest, toughest snowmobile race in the world. From Big Lake, to Nome, to Fairbanks, finishing on the Chena River. (907) 563-4414
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 is over 2,000 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 Trail 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 “Iron Dog Safety EXPO” 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.
2012 Iron Dog Calendar of Events
The 29th Annual start of the Iron Dog Pro Class race begins Sunday, February 19, 2012 at Big Lake, Alaska. The entire list of dates and times are published at Schedule of Events under the For Race Fans button in the top navigation.
February 18, 2012 Big Lake, Alaska
Big Lake Winter Fest All day festival during the Iron Dog weekend. 10:00am to 12 midnight.
February 19, 2012
Location: Southport Marina,
Big Lake Power Sports
Big Lake, Alaska
more information: http://www.irondograce.org/2010/2011-iron-dog-start-location/
Pro Class Start
Setup – 7:30am-9:00am
GPS Install/Pit Line Up – 10:00am
Ceremonies – 10:30am -10:45am
Race Start – 11:00am
February 25, 2012
Downtown Fairbanks, Alaska
more information: http://www.irondograce.org/2011/downtown-fairbanks-finish/
Race Finish
First team arrives – approximately 1:00pm
Podium Photo Opportunity – 3:00pm
Race Finish Winds Down – 4:30pm