The Iron Dog is a go, organizers put COVID plans in place
While many public activities are being cancelled due to the COVID19 pandemic, the 2021 Iron Dog snow machine race is still on. The race committee is working to adapt to a constantly changing situation. “It is our sincere goal to stage the race this year, and one that is staged with extreme caution,” said race director John Woodbury in a press release issued Nov. 4. Registration for both Expedition and Pro Classes have closed. “We will consider all reasonable options that will allow the race to proceed safely,” said Woodbury. “We have not ruled out postponing the event, but that is our last resort.”
The Iron Dog covers 2,200 miles as it runs from the start in Big Lake, to the halfway point in Nome, to Kotzebue and then back to Big Lake. While in Nome the riders get a day of rest and the opportunity to work on their snow machines in the warmth of Nome’s Public Works garage. Normally a banquet is held in the Nome Rec Center but indoor events will be canceled.
All Pro and Exhibition class riders, as well as any traveling Iron Dog volunteers, race crew and officials, will be tested before leaving the starting chute. If any of Iron Dog associates test positive, they will not be allowed to travel up the trail. Registration fees will be refunded to any racer or rider who cannot start the race due to a positive test. “We will also have rapid testing in other checkpoints as needed. Racers and fans should maintain social distancing and observe CDC and community protocols. At this time, we do not anticipate hosting any indoor public activities,” the Iron Dog website states.
The riders do not stop for long at any checkpoint or village along the way. But the crews and the officials are a different story. It is critical that they not expose people at the checkpoints and villages to the virus.
The race began in 1984 and followed the Northern route of the Iditarod Trail.
In 2020 the race expanded to include a loop from Koyuk to Kotzebue, Buckland, Selawik, Kiana, and Noorvik. The enthusiasm with which the fans along this new trail greeted the riders guaranteed it would be back again this year.
This year’s entrants include two Canadians, riders from Utah, California, and Washington, four from New Hampshire, and several from Minnesota. There are 11 rookies in Pro Class this year. Nome riders entered include 2019 champion Mike Morgan, who is teamed with Chris Olds of Eagle River. They were the runners-up in the 2020 race and will once again be Team 10 on Polaris machines. Jarvis and Jordan Miller of Nome will be on Ski-Doos and race as Team 23. The Exhibition Class leaves Big Lake on Feb. 11, 2021 and the Pro Class starts on Feb. 13.
“The race may look different than in year’s past, but the changes being made are designed to protect our friends in the checkpoints, racers, sponsors and fans,” said Woodbury. “Please be patient as we strive to adjust to the seemingly daily changes in how to best deal with this pandemic, and please send us your best insights so we may render those ideas down into a best practice.”