Mushers are on the rivers heading out of Fairbanks right now, as the 45th Iditarod starts in earnest. This is the second time in three races that the restart has been in Fairbanks. And a lot of the mushers have vivid memories of the 2015 race, so this year, they’re trying to pack accordingly.
Iditarod
Iditarod says 2017 race could start in Fairbanks
The official start of this year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race could take place in Fairbanks because of poor conditions on key parts of the nearly 1,000-mile route from Anchorage to Nome. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports the Iditarod Trail Committee announced Wednesday that a decision on the location of the restart, which marks the…
Iditarod could move back to Fairbanks for a third time
Though the decision has not been made, low snow conditions along difficult parts of the trail are prompting officials to consider moving the race’s re-start from Willow to Fairbanks, as they did in 2015, and for a first time in 2003.
Officials ban trailers for carrying dogs in Iditarod
Trailers fixed behind the primary sled have grown in popularity as a way to cycle dogs through rest.
Mushers frustrated over allowing cell phones on Iditarod trail
The race’s Trail Committee is upholding rule 35, which for the first-time ever will allow the use of two-way communication devices, including cell phones and satellite phones along the trail.
Iditarod adjusts communications rule
The Iditarod’s new communications rule will stay largely intact despite opposition. KTVA-TV reports mushers will be able to carry two-way communication devices as well as GPS and tracking gear, but must have Iditarod Trail Committee approval to use the technology to contact the media. Board members decided Friday to remove a part of the rule…