Donlin Gold continues its partnership with the Iditarod

The Iditarod’s longtime principal partner Donlin Gold will once again be along for the “rush to Nome” for the 50th anniversary of The Last Great Race. This partnership celebrates Alaska’s official state sport of dog mushing and honors the importance of the fabric of gold to Alaska in general and several race checkpoints including Ruby, Ophir, and Iditarod and the iconic finish in Nome, Iditarod officials said.

“Donlin Gold is thrilled to continue its partnership with the Iditarod,” Kristina Woolston, External Affairs Manager of Donlin Gold, said in a press release issued by the Iditarod. “We are excited to join the Iditarod for its 50th anniversary and look forward to supporting the race as it brings communities together and commemorates the state’s history, traditions and adventurous spirit, while maintaining a focus on the canine athletes and musher safety.”

As a world-class gold deposit owned by Indigenous Alaska Native landowners Calista Corporation and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), Donlin Gold is working to responsibly develop a gold deposit in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region. The development of Donlin Gold has the potential to bring meaningful benefits to the Calista and TKC Alaska Native shareholders, Y-K communities, and Alaska. Once approved, the mining operations would take place near the historic mining areas of Iditarod and Flat, where the Iditarod race travels during its southern route years. With deep roots in the state and an interconnected story of mushing and mining, it’s no wonder The Iditarod and Donlin Gold have maintained their partnership over the years.

Much of the indomitable spirit of Alaska can be traced to the early pioneers who sought to improve their lot by traveling to Alaska territory and then from gold camp to gold camp by sled dog team. Accordingly, The Iditarod is particularly excited to further grow our partnership with Donlin Gold for the 2022 race,” Rob Urbach, CEO of the Iditarod, said in a press release. “We are adding the Donlin Gold Rush to Nome leaderboard and look forward to celebrating the winner with Iditarod Nation under the burled arch in Nome in March. Our partners share our values and commitment to the legacy of a trail rich in history, tradition and resources. Donlin Gold’s support and the support of our other partners is what makes The Iditarod the Last Great Race.”

The ceremonial start of the 50th anniversary of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2022. More information about the Iditarod, its partners and the event schedule can be found at www.iditarod.com.