Sport, meet Iditasport

BIG LAKE — Athletes from the U.S. and Europe will converge at Big Lake this afternoon for the annual 370-mile Iditasport Extreme and I,000-mile Iditasport Impossible ski-bike or run.

Today’s event marks the 20th anniversary of the ski, run or bike race touted as the "start of all human-powered ultra-marathons.”

The 370-mile event runs from Big Lake to McGrath, while the longer race will have two runners and two fat-tire bike athletes continue crossing the finish line in Nome. Race coordinator Erica Koitzsch said 18 participants will follow the same route as the more than three-dozen snowmachine teams that will have departed for their 2,000-plus mile trip to Nome, and then on to Fairbanks several hours earlier.

Koitzsch said the race is intended to blend an athletes winter skills while pushing endurance levels. Like the Iditarod's mushers and sled dog teams, and snowmachiners of the Iron Dog, Iditasport participants deal with the same harsh Alaska environment and must fend for themselves in its wilderness. Koitzsch said athletes aiming for McGrath have until March 2 to reach the finish line while those pushing on to Nome must get there by March 25.

"The race is set up for the veteran winter adventurer, those who have already proved that they have the skills and the respect of Alaska’s extremely unforgiving environment," said Koitzsch. "If you question your outdoor winter skills, this event is not for you."

The two Iditasport outings are extended versions of the just completed Iditasport 200. That race also started at Big Lake pushing north and West to Yentna, Skwentna and Shell Lake Lodge and returning along the same route.

Athletes must pack everything needed to survive the elements including food, fuel, water, shelter, and spare equipment. Checkpoints are the same as those in the Iditarod. Participants in the 370-mile ‘Extreme’ must have at least one 100-mile winter event under their belts. Those in the 1,000-mile ‘Impossible’ race must have completed at least one Extreme.

The race wasn't held last year due to a family emergency involving the main organizers.

For more details on the race, including maps and individual participant live-tracking, visit iditasportalaska.com.