40th Iron Dog starts Saturday

WASILLA — The 2024 Iron Dog Pro-Class racers are set to embark on the long journey from Big Lake to Nome and back again starting Saturday, Feb. 17.

This year marks the 40th running of "the world's longest toughest snowmobile race."

Iron Dog Executive Director Mike Vasser said there's a lot of excitement stirring around this year's race.

"The interest level in the race is huge," Vasser said.

The Iron Dog draws racers from across the state and beyond. This year's roster includes numerous past champions, and visiting racers from states such as New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Nevada, Utah, and Minnesota.

Vasser noted that some teams had to drop out of the race due to injuries sustained during their training, but the overall field is looking very strong. He said there's a lot of ambitious rookie racers ready to contend with the field of seasoned veterans.

"We have a great young group of young racers coming up for sure," Vasser said.

Tyler Aklestad and Nick Olstad won the 2022 and 2023 Iron Dog races. The Mat-Su Valley based racers have their eyes set on a three year in a row victory, which has only been done once before, according to Vasser.

"They're going for a three-peat," Vasser said.

Vasser said the Iron Dog has engaged in numerous community oriented endeavors such as donating over 2,300 helmets to Alaskan youth across the state over the last five years. He said that wouldn't be possible without the support from the various volunteers, sponsors, racers, and participants.

"It's all about giving back to communities," Vasser said. "It's a great environment for Iron Dog."

Rookie racers Collin Clayton and Tyler Gurley of Team 24 both expressed excitement over the chance to take on the iconic snowmachine race.

"It's a large task. I think we're well rounded enough to put in a good ride and a good finish," Gurley said. "I feel like we can overcome most things that are thrown our way."

Clayton said they've been training since November and put in about 2,000 miles on their practice sleds. He said they've made numerous modifications to the Polaris 600s they're using during the race such as building their own shocks, reinforcing their tunnels, and adding auxiliary lighting.

"We put a lot of hard work into these sleds," Clayton said. "I think that's half the fun of the race, working with your partner in the garage."

Clayton said that he shares common goals with his race partner. He said the goal is to "ride smart" by doing things such as navigating carefully ensuring they don't hit something or break down on the trail and getting proper rests during the layovers.

"You kinda gotta go a little bit slower to go fast… Just a nice clean ride," Clayton said. "He's not gonna leave me and I'm not gonna leave him. It's a lot of trust you put on each other… It's a great fit, the understanding we both have. We both want to get to the finish line safely and get back to our families."

Clayton lives in Wasilla and Gurley lives in Chugiak. They both grew up knowing people that participated in the Iron Dog and they both carried aspirations to try it themselves when the opportunity arose.

"I've always wanted to do it for a long time," Clayton said.

Wasilla resident Haaken Wold and Anchorage resident Tyler Reese of Team 41 are eager to run the 2024 Iron Dog.

"We're ready to get on the trail," Wold said.

This will be Wold's second Iron Dog run and Reese's first run. Wold said one of the most important things he learned is to properly prepare to avoid unnecessary time wasted on small tasks on the trail.

"The little stuff adds up quick," Wold said.

Reese said that racing in the Iron Dog is a unique opportunity.

"It's one of a kind. We're lucky to live up here to be able to participate in it," Reese said.

The Iron Dog race trail spans 2,503 miles from Big Lake to Kotzebue, then to Nome for the Halfway Ceremonies, and finally finishing back in Big Lake.

For more information about the 2024 Iron Dog and to watch racers' progress, visit irondog.org.

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