‘New era’: Iron Dog start and finish locations reversed

WASILLA — It’s a milestone year for the Iron Dog.

The start and finish locations for the 2020 race were reversed with an estimated 400 miles added to the course, ushering in an “new era” for the “world’s longest, toughest snowmobile race.”

“This race here truly is a new event,” Iron Dog Executive Director John Woodbury said.

The Iron Dog is starting in Fairbanks and finishes in Big Lake this year.

Iron Dog officials announced the reversal in November of 2019. They originally indicated Willow would be this year’s finish but they ultimately decided to switch to Big Lake and announced the change Jan. 21.

The new course includes about five or six new check points, and roughly 400 miles of new trail, totaling an estimated 2,409 miles, according to Woodbury.

He said they’ve been working with experienced snowmachine racers to build the new loop that runs through Kotzebue to Nome for the halfway banquet before heading south to finish in Big Lake, in front of Southport Marina.

Finishing day of Pro Class is shaping up to be a huge gathering in Big Lake, with food trucks, a beer tent serving official Iron Dog Lager, and youth races as the 2020 races cross the finish line, according to Woodbury.

“The reception that we’re getting in Fairbanks by starting there has been huge. Those folks are really into their snowmachines and to have a finish at Big Lake is going to be amazing because I think the crowd is gonna’ be huge,” Woodbury said.

The decision to change the race course came after countless hours of brainstorming and listing out pros and cons among board members, according to Woodbury. He said board members agreed this is one of many ways to keep the race relevant and it also offers a chance for newcomers and seasoned veterans to both race in all new territory.

“This new event, this new course the Iron Dog has never ran before absolutely levels the playing field for every single racer, whether you’re a rookie or a two time champion, a four time champion,” Woodbury said. “Now, nobody really has this course in their GPS or in their training repertoire so anybody can win this course. Everybody’s a rookie this year. It’s pretty remarkable.”

Iron Dog officials are inducting Iron Dog champions Dusty VanMeter, Cynthia Erickson, and longtime supporters Carole and Roger Huntington into the 2020 Hall of Fame during the Racers Draw banquet, 6 p.m., Feb. 15, at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Conference Center.

Despite the level playing field, competition will be stiff this year since numerous former champions are participating in this year’s race.

“It’s a big year. It’s intense. There will be a lot of interesting occurrences here… It’s going to be one of the most exciting races the Iron Dog has ever staged in my opinion,” Woodbury said.

The Iron Dog community has a strong competitive spirit but there’s an even stronger sense of comradery, according to Woodbury. That’s good news to anyone who runs into trouble in the Alaskan wilderness.

“When it comes down to it, those guys, they’re like brothers and sisters. They’ll help out anybody who’s in trouble even if at the expense of their competitive edge; because, you know, you’re out in the middle of nowhere, you just can’t not be a good person,” Woodbury said. “They’ve got a big, competitive streak but their hearts are bigger… They want to win but they don’t want to lose anybody.”

Woodbury said those meaningful connections aren’t limited to just the racers. He said the race has a life of its own and contains a close knit community amongst the racers, crews, and spectators.

“We’re excited to work with every one of our communities. There’s checkers and volunteers and fans. But really, once you run the Iron Dog, that’s not what you see. You go through there and you see your friends…That’s the biggest return. You make friends at every checkpoint… It’s the bond this trail creates,” Woodbury said.

The future start and finish locations and any additional miles are all subject to change moving forward, according to Woodbury.

“I have a very invigorated board who likes to pursue new ideas to keep this race relevant,” Woodbury said.

The 2020 Iron Dog Pro Class starts Feb. 16, 2020 in Fairbanks. For more information, and a full list of race related events, visit irondog.org.

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