The ITC Introduces the new Iditarod arch fundraising initiative

The Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) and the City of Nome are unveiling a new fundraising initiative in conjunction with the construction of the new Finisher’s Arch which will make its debut for the 2025 Iditarod.

Prominent musher Ramey Smyth, a 27-time Iditarod competitor with 12 top-10 finishes, will be crafting the new Burled Arch that will grace the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Smyth is the owner of Smyth Logwork and Construction, which specializes in building log homes and is based in Willow.

The selection comes after the previous arch, a fixture of the Iditarod’s finish line in Nome collapsed unexpectedly on April 28.

This project complements a fundraising campaign that offers the public a chance to etch their name into the history of Alaska and the Iditarod.

Every year after the Iditarod, the Burled Arch is relocated from Front Street in Nome, to the front of Old St. Joe’s Church—a cherished landmark for visitors and locals alike. Old St. Joe’s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places not only for its historical significance and architecture but also for its pivotal role in Nome’s early history.

When lit, the cross adorning the steeple served as a beacon, leading dog teams and other winter travelers into Nome. Unlike many other gold rush-era buildings that were lost to fire or flood, Old St. Joe’s stands as a testament to the Alaskan pioneer spirit, characterized by hard work, ingenuity, and reverence for the past.

To complement the new arch at Old St. Joe’s Church, an interpretive sign about the Iditarod will be installed. This sign will allow a limited number of fans from around the globe to participate in various ways. Specifically, 1,049 supporters will receive a limited-edition Iditarod Finishers Arch Pin, while 98 supporters will have the opportunity to purchase plaques with three different tier options, each personalized with the donor’s name and/or message. This fundraiser not only supports The Iditarod, a 501(c)(3) organization, but also gives devoted fans a unique opportunity to express their support for The Last Great Race on Earth.

“Nome is pleased to be the Iditarod finish line, and we are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Iditarod Trail Committee. The Burled Finisher’s Arch is an iconic symbol recognized worldwide. We eagerly await completion of this third Finishers Arch. It will not only welcome mushers completing future Iditarod races, as well as fans and visitors alike well into the next decades,” states Nome Mayor, John Handeland.

“Over the last 52 years a total of 840 different Mushers have experienced the life changing journey of finishing the Iditarod under the hallowed Arch in Nome. This initiative will enable supporters to celebrate, honor and be fully connected with this journey,” said Iditarod CEO, Rob Urbach.

For more information and to become a part of this historic moment, please visit www.iditarod.com/finishers-arch-fundraiser.