Chasing the Last Great Race: How to Experience the Iditarod in Person
Witness the thrilling kickoff and relentless spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, known as the Last Great Race. From Anchorage's ceremonial start to the rugged wilderness beyond Willow, here's how to immerse yourself in the action—and practical tips to plan your adventure.
Trail Tips
Arrive Early for the Ceremonial Start
Downtown Anchorage gets busy for the ceremonial start. Plan to arrive at least an hour early to find a good vantage point and soak up pre-race festivities.
Book Iditarider Auction Spots Early
The chance to ride in a musher's sled is limited and highly sought after. Watch for the auction opening in December and place your bid promptly.
Plan Snowmobile or Flightseeing Tours in Advance
Checkpoints beyond Willow are off-road and remote. Book your snowmobile guide or flightseeing company early to secure your spot amid limited availability.
Dress in Layers and Prepare for Cold
March in Alaska means biting cold and strong winds, especially at checkpoints or along the trail. Layer clothing, wear insulated boots, and pack hand warmers.
Activity Level
Moderate fitness needed for extended outdoor waiting in cold conditions or snowmobile trips
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Anchorage downtown streets for close-up race start shots
- Willow checkpoints for action as teams depart
- Flightseeing over the Northern or Southern Route for expansive landscape shots
Chasing the Last Great Race: How to Experience the Iditarod in Person
The iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race unfolds every March with a fierce pulse that draws adventurers and dog lovers to Alaska. To witness the race's dramatic kickoff, head to downtown Anchorage for the ceremonial start on March 1 at 10 a.m. Here, mushers and their teams embark on an 11-mile route through city streets, a lively but non-competitive warm-up that sets the tone for the grueling journey ahead. Arrive early to soak in the energy as the wind pushes snowflakes across the skyline and the dogs shift restlessly, eager to begin.
The real race action begins the next day in Willow at 2 p.m., where the Restart sends mushers off in two-minute intervals into the wilderness. Unlike Anchorage’s urban stretch, this 1,000-mile race trenches deep into Alaska’s raw backcountry, traversing frozen rivers and whispering forests that dare the teams onward toward Nome. Every other year, the race alternates between the Northern and Southern Routes after Ophir, carving a rugged path that challenges the resolve of every musher and dog.
If you want to dive deeper into the race experience, consider the Iditarider Auction at the ceremonial start in Anchorage. Successful bidders win the unforgettable chance to ride alongside their favorite musher, sharing close quarters with the sled’s lead dogs and feeling the raw power in every stride. The auction opens mid-December annually, and planning ahead is vital.
Though the trail leaves civilization after Willow, adventure-seekers can chase the race by snowmobile or even book a flightseeing tour to land at strategic checkpoints, where the frozen landscape folds into views impossible to capture from the ground alone. For those drawn to the finish line, Nome welcomes visitors with regular flights from Anchorage, inviting spectators to watch history written against the sweeping Arctic horizon.
The race honors a powerful legacy. Born from the heroic 1925 serum run to save Nome from diphtheria, the Iditarod today combines tradition and endurance. Legendary names like Dallas and Mitch Seavey and Susan Butcher mark the trail with records and victories. Dallas Seavey’s 2021 record time of 7 days, 14 hours cements the relentless pace needed to conquer the Last Great Race.
Whether you’re packing a camera for sunset shots of speeding teams or staking out a checkpoint to hear the murmurs of a husky team ready to push forward, experiencing the Iditarod in person is stepping into a story fiercely alive. With practical preparation and eyes wide open, the race’s chill and thrill await those ready to chase the pulse of winter’s most demanding journey.
Recommended Gear
Insulated, Waterproof Boots
Essential for keeping feet warm and dry while standing for long periods on snow or ice.
winter specific
Layered Clothing System
Multiple layers allow you to adjust to changing temperatures and wind conditions throughout the day.
winter specific
Hand and Foot Warmers
Chemical warmers provide extra heat during long exposures to cold and wind.
winter specific
Binoculars or Telephoto Lens
Highly recommended for watching mushers and dogs from a distance, especially at the ceremonial start or remote checkpoints.
winter specific
Seasonal Guide
winter Hiking
March is race season and also the coldest stretch, with temperatures often well below freezing. Snow covers the landscape, making sledding possible but travel outside Anchorage requires preparation for harsh weather and limited daylight.
Best For:
- Race Viewing
- Snowmobiling
- Flightseeing
Challenges:
- Extreme Cold
- Variable Weather
- Remote Logistics
spring Hiking
Late March to May sees the trail thawing and mushers recovering from the winter season. Access to checkpoints can be more challenging with melting snow but wildlife activity increases.
Best For:
- Post-Race Visits
- Wildlife Watching
Challenges:
- Melting Trails
- Variable Temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the actual start of the Iditarod race in Anchorage?
Yes. The ceremonial start happens on March 1 at 10 a.m. in downtown Anchorage. It’s an 11-mile route through city streets and does not count toward official race standings, but it offers an excellent opportunity to see the teams up close.
What is the Iditarod Restart in Willow?
The Restart occurs the day after the ceremonial start—usually March 2 at 2 p.m.—in Willow, Alaska. Mushers leave at two-minute intervals along the true 1,000-mile course that leads to Nome.
Is it possible to ride in a musher’s sled during the race?
Yes, through the Iditarider Auction held annually. Winners ride alongside their favorite musher at the ceremonial start. The auction opens around mid-December each year, so early bidding is key.
How can I follow the race once it leaves the road system after Willow?
Most checkpoints are remote and reachable only by snowmobile or air. Many fans book flightseeing tours to checkpoints or chase the race by snowmobile. Anchorage to Nome flights make the finish more accessible.
Are there different routes for the Iditarod race?
Yes. The race alternates between the Northern Route (even-numbered years) and the Southern Route (odd-numbered years) after the Ophir checkpoint, creating two distinct paths to Nome.
What should I expect weather-wise during the race period?
Expect bitter cold and windy conditions, with temperatures often well below freezing. Dress in multiple insulation layers, prepare for wind chill, and be ready for rapidly changing weather.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Eagle viewing spots near Willow where the birds circle the frozen rivers"
- "Quiet checkpoint trails offering intimate views of dog teams resting between legs"
Wildlife
- "Look for moose along lower elevation river corridors"
- "Snowy owls hunting across open tundra beyond Willow"
History
"The Iditarod trail’s origin as the 1925 serum run to Nome remains one of the most celebrated stories in Alaskan history. It embodies rugged perseverance against extreme weather and terrain."
