Inaugural Iron Pup youth snowmachine race draws large field

Alaska Cross Country Racing’s inaugural Iron Pup youth snowmachine race went off without a hitch according to race coordinator Tim Gossett. He said they had a great start to a new annual tradition for local racing families.

“It was fantastic,” Gossett said.

There were a total of 15 youth snowmachine teams in this year’s race. Racers traversed a 70 mile loop out of Deshka Landing.

“It was a very competitive field. All the teams did great,” Gossett said.

Gossett said they named this race after the Iron Dog’s former Iron Pup program. He said they got permission to use the name from Iron Dog and they were even able to use their starting line arch. He added that many Iron Dog veteran’s children participated in this event and other races hosted by ACCR.

“It’s designed to be a lot like Iron Dog,” Gossett said.

The Iron Pup was the last race of the season for ACCR. Gossett said they drew a larger number of participants in this race than the second annual Scary Tree 50 race.

Each team of youth snowmachine racers had a designated audit champagne follow them on the trail. Gossett accompanied his son throughout the race. He said there was even a jovial and casual parents race afterwards.

“It was a really nice day and a smooth and easy course. It was fun,” Gossett said. “Everyone was in really good spirits.”

Gossett said the Iron Pup was created as an extension of their group’s overall mission to connect local youth and their families to racing opportunities.

“The process as a whole is more inclusive than other races,”

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