It’s Not Just Sled Dogs: The Volunteers Supporting the Iditarod

While mushers battle the icy Alaska wilderness in the Iditarod, another group of adventurers is braving the same brutal conditions with far less sleep and no chance of a podium finish. Over 1500–dedicated volunteers are hard at work operating behind the scenes. From veterinarians conducting crucial, around-the-clock dog checks to trail breakers navigating sub-zero temperatures, these unpaid enthusiasts are the indispensable backbone—or "back-paw"—of an Alaskan tradition that simply wouldn't exist without them.

One especially enthusiastic volunteer, Joe Kelly, was already hard at work hours before visitors and teams were set to arrive at the re-start of the Iditarod on March 8, setting up sponsor banners along the chute the mushers would be beginning the race, working alongside fellow volunteer Jud.

“There’s so many people, from the start to the finish, along the trails, everything that goes into this race, it’s a lot bigger than people think,” says Kelly, who even had an assist from his mother visiting from Buffalo, NY.

Volunteers are essential to the Iditarod, with roles ranging from setting up logistics and transporting teams in Anchorage ahead of the ceremonial start, serving as part of the Iditarod Air Force, to managing remote checkpoints. Key duties include acting as liaisons and ensuring food, straw, lodging, and communication services from Yentna to Nome.

There are also volunteer licensed veterinarians and vet techs are stationed at every checkpoint to perform pre-race examinations, monitor the dogs during the race, and care for any that discontinue. Additionally, dedicated dog handlers assist the medical team with transporting dogs from the trail back to Anchorage headquarters

Inside the Willow Community Center, Jamie Cleveland of Graceworks Alaska orchestrated a team of roughly 80 security volunteers. Cleveland emphasized that their presence was vital for musher and dog safety, specifically to prevent snow machine interference. To cover every post, several volunteers pulled double duty, seamlessly filling gaps across the event operations.

Cleveland is no stranger to the Iditarod, having volunteered with since 2018 to help get Willow ready for the big race. After a long ten-hour Saturday spent setting up the course, Cleveland and his team are committed to staying well past the final musher’s departure to tear everything down and return the community center to its original state.

He says that while he personally gets involved in January, meeting with coordinators and as the date draws nearer, so too does the work preparing for the Iditarod, planning really kicks in April for the next Iditarod. “There’s a lot of things that are very detailed. A lot of permits for everything from preventing flights overhead to DOT permits, and tons of rentals, and scheduling. There’s a lot of logistics to it.”

He encouraged people to sign up and volunteer. “Come help. Many hands make light work.”

Hours later, when the race gets underway, as the mushers move their team to that famous Iditarod banner, there was Kelly up front, along with other volunteers helping corral the eager and excited dogs ready to hit the trails.

While the focus for many remains watching the race unfold and the grit of the mushers and the power of the dogs, the Iditarod is undeniably supported by an army of volunteers. Serving as the essential backbone, these individuals provide necessary logistical, veterinary, and communications support under challenging conditions. As the Iditarod proves year after year, these volunteers are the vital force that keeps the trail open and the race moving toward Nome.

The 2026 race features 37 teams and three expeditionary mushing teams.

To learn more about volunteering for the Iditarod, please visit www.iditarod.com/volunteers/. To learn more about Graceworks Alaska, please visit www.graceworksak.com.