Alaska's 2010 Iron Dog snowmobile race is now in progress! The race began on Sunday February 21st leaving from Big Lake, AK. The race follows the Historic Iditarod Trail to Nome and then continues on with a finish in Fairbanks, AK. The race course spans 2,000 miles over some of Alaska's roughest terrain.
The race is completed in teams of two racers. The racers are required to carry survival gear and be prepared for anything. There are two race classes available in the race and anyone can enter; no prior race history is required. The recreational level is for those who want to complete the course but want to take it a little slower and without the pressure of having to win. The professional level is very competitive and the first prize payout for the winning team is $50,000. The total race purse for 2010 is $184,400. The total purse includes sponsors cash donations plus many contingency prizes offered by sponsors. The City of Nome is awarding the 1st and 2nd place teams to reach the half way point at Nome, AK $2500.00 per team. Other awards include gift certificates and cash prizes to teams that reach certain milestones or the first team riding a certain brand of snowmobile to cross the finish line.
Racers ride day and night through the rough terrain with required layovers at designated villages. A breakdown could mean riding double to the closest town or perhaps the helping hand of another team to tow you in. Machines are fixed along the trail and at check points; waiting for parts can cause a team to lose precious race time. Not every team will make it through the entire course. Teams may have to "scratch" or drop out due to mechanical breakdowns, damage to their machines and sometimes injuries prevent them from moving on.
Although a tough race; this race is not just for men. There have been a handful of all women's team to compete in the race and some have finished. This year I'm rooting for all women's team #20 Tammy Barber and Jana Pevan competing in the pro race for the glory. So far so good; they've made it into Galena.
Check it out for yourself at www.irondog.org
