Iron Dog Race Headquarters Adjusts Race Release Time From Kotzebue Toward Nome

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Rick Paquette, Executive Director

Email: director@irondog.org
Phone: (907) 563-4414
Website: www.irondog.org

Date: February 17, 2026

Iron Dog Race Headquarters Adjusts Race Release Time From Kotzebue Toward Nome

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Due to inclement weather and evolving trail conditions, Iron Dog Race Headquarters has announced schedule adjustments affecting Kotzebue and Nome.

Racers currently in Kotzebue will now depart on Wednesday, February 18, at 6:00 a.m. Iron Dog will publish Kotzebue release times for Pro Class teams on the afternoon of February 17, 2026. Teams still en route to Kotzebue may continue racing toward the checkpoint; however, all teams must be checked out of Kotzebue no later than 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, February 18.

Following departure from Kotzebue, teams are expected to arrive in Nome on Wednesday afternoon through the evening, depending on trail and weather conditions.

To accommodate this adjustment, the previously scheduled Wrench Day has been moved to Thursday, February 19, providing teams with an appropriate time for maintenance and preparation before the next leg.

The Nome Halfway Banquet & Ceremonies will continue as planned on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.

Racers will then be released from Nome early Friday morning, February 20, with the exact departure time to be determined, as they begin the final stretch toward Fairbanks.

At this time, the race organization intends to maintain the scheduled 12:00 p.m. Saturday finish in Fairbanks at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge.

Iron Dog Race Headquarters continues to assess trail conditions, weather patterns, and logistical considerations in coordination with checkpoint volunteers and local partners. Further updates will be provided as necessary.