From heroic rescues to preserving sled dog culture – discover the heart of the Last Great Race-the Iditarod.
Celebrating the Spirit of Alaskans with Iditarod
In late February and early March, Anchorage comes alive with one of my favorite celebrations – the Iditarod Race! This fun event is a vibrant celebration of the indomitable spirit of Alaska. Beyond being hailed as the last great race on earth, the Iditarod showcases the spirit of our community. The Iditarod Trail is a living connection to Alaska’s past, preserving the legacy of sled dogs and the Gold Rush era. As we dive into its history, you’ll see how this iconic race and trail are related.
A Heroic Tale: Nome’s Rescue and the Serum Run
Most people think that the race remembers how the sled dogs Balto and Togo saved the village of Nome. In January 1925, the children in Nome were dying from diphtheria. Dr. Curtis Welch ordered a quarantine in hopes that it wouldn’t spread, but only an antitoxin serum could stop the fast-spreading disease. Unfortunately, the closest batch of serum was hundreds of miles away in Anchorage.
In the winter, Nome’s ports filled with ice, preventing deliveries by boat. The train was slow and about 700 miles away in Nenana. A blizzard-level snowstorm prevented airplanes from delivering the serum. Thankfully, sled dog teams used during the gold rush had routes to deliver the serum. A train delivered the serum to Nenana and from there over 150 dogs and 20 drivers mushed 674 miles to Nome. Hurray! The kids and families recover due to the heroic efforts of these dogs and men. This amazing story must be the reason we still race miles and miles between Anchorage and Nome every year! Right?
Setting the Record Straight: The True Purpose of the Iditarod Race
However, the Official History of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race clarifies that the race doesn’t commemorate the journey of the serum run to Nome. So, what is the race about? It’s about honoring Alaska’s Mining and Dog Sledding History.
“The race, organized into its current long-distance format in 1973 by Joe Redington, Sr., aimed ‘to save the sled dog culture and Alaskan huskies, which were being phased out of existence due to the introduction of snowmobiles in Alaska; and to preserve the historical Iditarod Trail between Seward and Nome.’ “
Exploring the Iditarod National Historic Trail
From 1880 to 1920, the Iditarod Trail linked mining camps, trading posts, and settlements during Alaska’s Gold Rush Era. Tracing paths used by indigenous tribes, including the Tanaina, Ingalik, Unalakeleet, Inupiaq, and Yupik, the trail witnessed the use of dog-sleds and snowshoes in winter. Initially, dog sleds transported supplies and gold during the Gold Rush Era. Over time, these sled teams were replaced by more reliable snow machines. Today, the Iditarod National Historic Trail stands as one of two Congressionally designated National Historic Trails in Alaska, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Resources for Iditarod Enthusiasts
As you can see both the race and trail commemorate the history of sled dogs, mining, and the tough people of our past like those that saved the town of Nome.
Today you can still explore the Iditarod trail. Start in Seward at the musher’s statue, and follow it as it transforms into paved bike trails towards the boat harbor. Interpretive displays along the trail, maintained by the Seward Museum, provide insights into Alaska’s rich history. The trail continues on for more than 1,000 miles up to Nome. There are thousands of side trails you can explore off the main trail.
For more information about the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race, visit the Trail Committee Headquarters in Wasilla, the Fur Rondy store in Anchorage, the Musher’s Hall of Fame Museum in Wasilla, and the Carrie McCain Museum in Nome.
A Day Trip from Cooper Landing to Seward
When you stay at one of our cozy cabins on the Kenai River in Cooper Landing, AK, you’re just a short one-hour drive away from Seward. During a day trip, immerse yourself in the Alaska Gold Rush Era and Historic Iditarod Trail at the Seward Museum. The Museum is free to enter and located in the town library. Later, go behind the scenes of an Iditarod sled dog team with Mitch Seavey, a three-time race winner, at Seavey’s Ididaride. Since there’s generally no snow in Seward from Mid-May to October, consider a helicopter ride to a glacier or a ride on a wheeled sled at the kennels.
Ready to Immerse Yourself in the Spirit of Iditarod?
Ready to experience the spirit of the Iditarod? Book a 3-4 night stay to fully explore that the Upper Kenai Peninsula has to offer. Spend your time with trips to Seward and Kenai, hiking in the Chugach Mountains, visiting Kenai Fjord and Exit Glacier National parks, and catching the fish of a lifetime. Then when you are done come have a relaxing spot to come back after enjoying the beauty of Alaska. Book now!
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The Iditarod Trail and Race aren’t ordinary. They offer living connection to Alaska’s past, preserving the legacy of sled dogs and the Gold Rush era. As you relive its history, you’ll discover the the type of people and dogs that made our community iconic.
Resources:
- https://ididaride.com/tours/
- https://www.history.com/news/the-sled-dog-relay-that-inspired-the-iditarod
- https://www.britannica.com/sports/Iditarod-Trail-Sled-Dog-Race
- https://iditarod.com/edu/the-history-of-the-iditarod-trail-sled-dog-race/
- https://iditarod.com/about-us/
- https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/PublicRoom_Alaska_IditarodNHT_FAQs.pdf
- https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-scenic-and-historic-trails/iditarod
