Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race 2026

The Iditarod race traditionally kicks off on Fourth Avenue at D Street and runs to Campbell Creek Science Center, giving onlookers an up-close view of the teams. Spectators flock to the start line downtown or stake out a spot further down the 11-mile route through Anchorage.

The Wildbirch Hotel is the official Anchorage headquarters for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®. Located in the heart of the Mushing District, it’s buzzing with race activity and offers great views of the ceremonial start line. After a restart at Willow the following day, Iditarod mushers and their dogs battle the elements and test their limits across the roughly 1,000-mile trail to Nome. For more top viewing spots, check out our insider guide here.

He’s BACK and headed up the trail once again! 🐾🔥 2019 Iditarod Champion, Pete Kaiser, has officially entered the 54th running of the Last Great Race on Earth!
A 9-time Top 10 finisher and fierce competitor since 2010 (with the exception of 2025), Kaiser knows what it takes to battle the elements, trust his team, and chase down the burled arch in Nome. 🏁
Join us in giving a huge welcome to Pete Kaiser as he takes his place in the Class of 2026! 💥

The "Last Great Race" begins in downtown Anchorage with a ceremonial start on March 7 at 10 a.m. The 11-mile route does not officially count in the standings. On Sunday, March 8, mushers depart from Willow starting at 2 p.m., in two-minute intervals. This is called the Iditarod Restart. Traditionally, the race culminates in Nome, Alaska.

Alaska's favorite athletes (and their mushers) are getting ready for the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 2026! One of Alaska's biggest sporting events begins with a ceremonial start in Anchorage on Saturday, March 7, followed by the official restart in Willow on Sunday, March 8. Last year's winner, Jesse Holmes, finished in just over ten days. This year, 39 dog teams plan to travel nearly 1000 miles of historic trail from the community of Willow all the way to the city of Nome!

Mushing is a way of life for many Alaskans. The Iditarod Race has long been a focal point of this shared passion. Now more than ever before, sled dog enthusiast can follow the race through a suite of fan features on, like live map updates, checkpoint stats, and even videos from the trail taken by mushers! Learn more about this race

The 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ("Iditarod 54") begins with a ceremonial start in Anchorage on March 7, 2026, followed by the official restart in Willow on March 8, 2026. Approximately 39 mushers are scheduled to travel nearly 1,000 miles to Nome, navigating the northern route.

The Iditarod usually attracts between 40 and 60 competitors. Each competitor (known as a musher) must have a team of between 12 and 14 dogs (five of those 12-14 dogs must be on the towline at the finish line of the race to be eligible). There are two routes the race typically takes – a northern route on even-numbered years and a southern route on odd-numbered years. The race begins in Anchorage (in the south) and travels northwest across the state to Nome. The winning competitor will typically receive the “Golden Harness” award for their dogs and a cash prize. “Rookie of the Year” awards are also given out.

2026 is the 54th running of the Iditarod sled dog race. The Last Great Race On Earth is how the 1049 mile Iditarod sled dog race is known. Stretching from Anchorage to Nome, this race is one of the most grueling events in the world. Following the historic trail that in 1925 was used by dog teams to bring 300,000 units of life-saving diphtheria serum to an epidemic in Nome. These medallions are limited and come in a variety of sizes and metal combinations. Nice to collect or use as interesting jewelry. A donation from the sale of each medallion is made to the Iditarod committee to help bring back the race year after year.

This medallion is available in golden bronze, 1 oz .999 fine silver, 1 oz single gold relief (24k plating on front of the silver coin) and 1 oz double gold relief (24k gold plating on both sides). The 1 oz medallion is similar in size to a silver dollar. They are packaged in an airtight container and handsome gift box. The reverse is the Official logo of Iditarod.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a thrilling annual event that starts with a festive atmosphere in Anchorage, Alaska.

Each year in early March, specifically on the first Saturday, this race spotlights the rugged beauty of Alaska and the incredible endurance of the mushers and their dog teams.

The countdown to the 54th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® continues! ❄️🚨 The 2026 Musher Roll Call rolls on as we spotlight each musher—alphabetically by first name—on the journey toward race day and the trail to Nome. 🐾

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race always begins on the first Saturday in March. Iditarod 2026 falls on Saturday, March 7, and lasts until mid-March.

The Iditarod Trail Committee extends our sincere thanks to the Municipality of Anchorage for their continued support of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® and the Ceremonial Start each year. 🏔️🐾
Their partnership plays a vital role in honoring Alaska’s mushing heritage, our state sport, and the incredible mushers and dogs who make The Last Great Race® possible. 🛷❄️ From planning to ex*****on, Anchorage’s support helps ensure the Ceremonial Start remains a meaningful celebration for our community, visitors, and fans around the world.

A new year means it’s time to hit the trail again! 🎉 As we kick off the year, we’re launching our annual virtual tour of the Iditarod Trail, spotlighting each checkpoint along the way from Anchorage to Nome. 🗺️🐾
It all kicks off in downtown Anchorage, where teams burst down snow-covered city streets lined with thousands of cheering fans 🙌❄️. From there, the trail slips into Anchorage’s greenbelts and parks, winding through wooded paths, along creeks, and across bridges as dogs and mushers trade city buzz for forest calm 🌲🛷.
The run is packed with highlights: scenic bike and ski trails, crossin of Tudor Road, twists through the Tozier Track dog trails, and even a fan-favorite muffin stop along the way 🧁😉.
After nearly 11 unforgettable miles, teams cruise onto the Campbell Airstrip, finishing this spectacular stretch beside the BLM Visitors Center — a beautiful, celebratory end to an incredible celebration on the trail 🏁.
This is just the beginning! Stay tuned as our virtual tour continues checkpoint by checkpoint on the Northern Route all the way to Nome. Mush on! ❄️🏔️