Iron Dog Announces Expanded Route Bringing Race, Economic Opportunity, and Safety Programs to New Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Iron Dog Race Inc. is proud to announce a long-anticipated expansion of the Iron Dog trail that will bring the world’s longest and toughest snowmobile race through three new Alaska communities: Huslia, Shungnak, and Ambler.

The new route will travel through portions of the Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge, Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, and the Kobuk Valley National Park, opening a new chapter in the race’s history while creating opportunities to strengthen relationships with communities across Western Alaska.

This route expansion will allow Iron Dog to bring not only the excitement and economic benefits associated with the race, but also its year-round safety and education initiatives to new areas of the state. Through partnerships with local schools, communities, and organizations, Iron Dog and its volunteers will continue promoting snowmachine safety, helmet awareness, and responsible winter travel throughout Alaska.

“This has been many years in the making,” said Reuben Hanke, Trail Committee Chairman and Board Member of Iron Dog Race Inc. “The expansion represents countless hours of collaboration, discussion, environmental review, and partnership building. We are excited to share the economic benefits of the race with additional communities while continuing our mission of promoting safe and responsible winter travel across Alaska.”

Iron Dog extends its sincere appreciation to the many organizations and individuals who helped make this achievement possible, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

Special thanks are also extended to Senator Dan Sullivan’s office, whose support and assistance throughout the process were instrumental, as well as to the villages, cities, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native corporations along the new route that worked collaboratively to make this vision a reality.

The successful completion of the environmental review and permitting process marks a significant milestone and reflects the collaboration and strong partnerships among federal agencies, local communities, tribal organizations, and recreational stakeholders working toward a common goal.

Additional route details, checkpoint information, and community engagement opportunities will be announced as planning progresses for the upcoming race season.

About Iron Dog Race Inc.
Iron Dog is the world's longest and toughest snowmobile race, covering approximately 2,500 miles across Alaska's most challenging winter terrain. In addition to hosting the annual race and celebrating Alaska’s snowmachine tradition, Iron Dog Race Inc. supports snowmachine safety education, community outreach, youth engagement, and responsible access to Alaska’s vast winter trail systems.

Media Contact:

Rick Paquette
Executive Director | Iron Dog®
director@irondog.org | 907-563-4414
https://www.irondog.org/