Willow team wins 2024 Iron Dog

BIG LAKE — Cody Barber and Brett Lapham of Team 39 won the 2024 Iron Dog after crossing the finish line in Big Lake around 12:20 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25.

Iron Dog Executive Director Mike Vasser said the Willow-based racers’ victory was “well deserved.”

“It was a clean run,” Vasser said.

Lapham said this was his eighth Iron Dog run and Barber’s 10th run. Lapham said that it was exciting to finally pull off a win.

“It's surreal. It’s everything we've been dreaming about since day one,” Lapham said. “It’s been a long time coming for this win.”

Lapham said this was his fifth time running the Iron Dog with Barber. He said that he has a great racing dynamic with his brother-in-law and they work well together on the trail.

“He’s the best teammate I could ever wish for," Lapham said. “I wouldn't want to win with anyone else. This one was for the family.”

The Iron Dog race trail spans over 2,500 miles from Big Lake to Kotzebue, then to Nome for the Halfway Ceremonies, and finally finishing back in Big Lake. Lapham said they’re moving fast, but they still can take in some of the scenery as they progress through the race trail, witnessing the vast and awe-inspiring beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

“There's a lot of cool things out there,” Lapham said. “It’s a lifetime experience, and to win it is a dream come true.”

Lapham said there are a lot of unique opportunities to meet all kinds of people as they pass through the various rural villages along the way. He said there are so many people willing to offer support such as advice for navigating the trail each time they visit.

“It’s always cool to see them every year,” Lapham said.

The Iron Dog draws racers from across the state and beyond. This year's roster included past champions, and visiting racers from outside Alaska.

“It was nice to see the out-of-state teams compete. Hopefully, we’ll get more of them in the future,” Vasser said.

Vasser said the 40th running of the Iron Dog went well overall.

“It was a great year,” Vasser said. “I think we're going to continue to grow. We’re on a growth pattern for sure right now.”

Looking forward, Vasser said they aim to continue supporting Alaskan communities through various projects such as supporting the Kids Don’t Float program, contributing to local food banks, and donating over 2,300 helmets to Alaskan youth across the state over the last five years.

“Our whole deal is giving back to communities,” Vasser said. “The more we can do that, the better it is for everybody.”

For more information about the 2024 Iron Dog, visit irondog.org.

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