2025 Iditarod: From Fairbanks to Nome

The 53rd Iditarod Restart will be in Fairbanks this year in response to a lack of snow and adverse trail conditions along the Traditional Southern Route. The Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) released a statement on Feb. 17 announcing the change.

“Our Trail Breaker crew has just spent over a week prepping the trail from Skwentna through to Rohn, historically the most challenging terrain of the race. After a heavy discussion with our lead Trail Breaker and other friends of the race including local knowledge, and with no new snow on the horizon, there is simply no way we can allow the teams to progress through that 20-mile stretch just before the Salmon River, 20 miles from Nikolai. It is a shame because the remainder of the trail is in great shape all the way to Nome,” said Race Marshal Warren Palfrey in the statement.

Safety is the number one concern. A lack of snow makes for an uncomfortable and in some cases dangerous ride for both dogs and mushers. And with no snow forecasted into the foreseeable future, the decision had to be made with the best interests of everyone involved.

“The safety of all participants – including the dogs, mushers, and volunteers – remains our top priority,” the statement read.

The race will start at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge on the Chena River in Fairbanks on March 3 at 11 a.m. The course runs west along the Tanana River to Nenana and then to Tanana, where it will then follow the Yukon River passing through Ruby and Galena and down to Kaltag. Racers will continue south on the Yukon River to Anvik, return north along the river to Kaltag, then west to Unalakleet and around Norton Sound to Nome via the traditional Iditarod route.

This course adjustment will equate to approximately 1,128 miles. The Southern Route, which is traditionally run on odd-numbered years, is 998 miles. This year’s race will be about 130 miles longer than what most teams planned on running.

There will be 33 mushers in this year’s race, including 17 veterans, 16 rookies and two past champions, Ryan Redington and Mitch Seavey. Redington from Knik, came in first place in 2023, the last time the race was held along its southern route. Seavey, from Seward/Sterling, is a three-time champion, coming in first place in 2004, 2013, and 2017 - the last time the Iditarod Restart was in Fairbanks.

The Ceremonial Start is in downtown Anchorage on Sat. March 1 at 10 a.m. The traditional route will be shortened due to a lack of snow. Spectators can enjoy watching the mushers and their teams along the course from the start in Downtown Anchorage at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and D Street, east along Fourth Street to Cordova Street, south down Cordova Street before turning east onto 16th Avenue and ending at the Sullivan Arena.