Iditarod executives meet the media, talk about 2024 race

ANCHORAGE — The 2024 Iditarod starts this weekend.

“We’re real excited,” Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach said during a media briefing. “Who knows what’s going to happen over the course of the race. I think it’s going to be great. We can’t wait to get going.”

The Iditarod Ceremonial Start begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2 in downtown Anchorage. The Official Restart in Willow takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3.

Iditarod mushers will embark on a journey spanning nearly 1,000 miles across the Alaskan wilderness to the finish line in Nome. Mushers have to persevere through extreme weather conditions and other challenges along the way to make it.

Urbach marveled at the sheer amount of grit and determination it takes to compete in the Iditarod. He said the spirit of the Iditarod reflect the spirit of the state it takes place in.

“It’s an indomitable spirit. I think it really represents Alaska,” Urbach said.

“It’s a journey of self-reliance… There’s nothing like it. It’s a remarkable event. It’s super authentic. You can’t cut corners in the Iditarod.”

Urbach said that anyone following the race will have an immersive experience thanks to the hard work of their Insider crew covering the mushers’ progress and posting videos and general updates along the way.

“We’re always trying to innovate as best we can,” Urbach said. “We’re really proud of what we do.”

The race follows the Northern Route on even years and the Southern Route on odd years. This year, mushers will take the Northern route.

Iditarod race director Mark Nordman said that trail breakers are diligently preparing the race route for the 2024 race.

Nordman said the overall trail conditions are looking good for the most part. He noted that there appears to be some sections of the race route that’s lacking snow due to factors such as high winds and previous instances of warm weather.

“I’m glad we’re having this cold spell,” Nordman said.

Nordman said that a lot of sea ice was lost along the coast around Elim and mushers may be rerouted.

“So, a little concern there; but otherwise, everybody’s set,” Nordman said.

Iditarod officials increased the total number of dogs mushers can use from 14 to 16.

“That’s what the mushers wanted to go back to,” Nordman said. “A lot of people like running a big string of dogs in the world’s best dog race,”

Nordman noted that using the maximum of 16 dogs are not required.

“If you have 12, go with 12. I know people that have finished third with 9,” Nordman said.

The 2024 Iditarod features a field of 38 mushers. This year’s roster is composed of 16 rookies and numerous veteran mushers with five different countries being represented.

Five-time Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey is looking to earn his sixth victory this year. The Talkeetna musher is currently tied with Rick Swenson for the most Iditarod wins, and he will achieve a historic milestone if he breaks that record.

2023 Iditarod champion Ryan Redington is seeking a back-to-back victory in this year’s race. The Knik musher earned his first Iditarod victory last year and told race officials that he wants to honor his great grandfather Joe Redington who co-founded the Last Great Race.

“This is a really competitive field,” Nordman said. “We’re going to have a hell of a race.”

Nordman expressed gratitude toward the various Iditarod staff and volunteers who work year round to get everything in order. He was also thankful for the supportive Alaskans living in rural areas along the race route who’ve helped out in various ways over the years.

“Without them, we don’t have the race,” Nordman said.

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