2022 Iron Dog underway

WASILLA — The 2022 Iron Dog pro-class race is officially underway. Racers departed from the Menard Sports Center for a ceremonial start and made their way to Big Lake for the official start Saturday, Feb. 19.

This is the first year Iron Dog officials are utilizing the Menard Sports Center for the race. Iron Dog Executive Director Bob Menne said that everything went well and they even had an appearance from Governor Mike Dunleavy.

“I think people were really pleased with it,” Menne said.

The ceremonial start featured various vendors and a beer garden. Menne said they’re hoping to incorporate the Menard Center for years to come. He said they would ultimately like the venue to become the official start.

“We’d love to have the official race start right in front of the Menard Center and we’re going to continue to work make that happen,” Menne said.

The first teams to make it to Nome arrived on Monday, Feb. 21.

“They’re going extremely fast this year,” Menne said.

According to Menne, several teams dropped out Feb. 21 for various reasons, including mechanical breakdowns and injuries from crashing, which is pretty normal for Iron Dog.”

“There’s a lot that you have to overcome out there. A big part of it is keeping your equipment in good condition, but sometimes the gremlins just get ya,” Menne said.

Tyler Aklestad and Nick Olstad of Team 7 were the first racers to check-in at Nome. Menne said this year’s roster has a lot of passionate racers, whether they’re seasoned veterans or up-and-coming rookies.

“It’s a real solid group this year,” Menne said.

The 2022 Iron Dog racecourse spans 2,645 miles and passes through 26 communities. Iron Don racers will depart from Nome after the halfway banquet to make their way through Kotzebue Loop, then return to the Historic Iditarod Trail with a finish back on Big Lake.

“That’s always challenging up that way,” Menne said. “They’ve got a lot of miles ahead of them yet. So, there’s a long way to go. Many, many things are going to happen and change in between there and the finish.”

Menne said they’re anticipating the first team to cross the finish line around noon Saturday, Feb. 26. Racers will make their way from Big Lake back to the Menard Sports Center for the ceremonial finish celebration.

Those interested in following the 2022 Iron Dog can view live updates on the official website. Officials also post regularly on social media.

For more information, visit irondog.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com