2017 Iditarod to Start in Fairbanks: Moved North Due to Warming
The ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage will take place as scheduled on Saturday, March 4. The restart will get underway in Fairbanks on Monday, March 6, at 10 a.m.
The exact location of the restart is still being determined, local and race officials said. In 2015, the restart took place on the Chena River in front of Pike’s Waterfront Lodge.
Local leaders expressed glee that the popular sled dog race is coming north. Iditarod Trail Committee Race Director Mark Nordman said it’s bittersweet.
“It’s always kind of a mixed bag when you have to leave your traditional trail,” he said. “We just appreciate that we can still give the mushers a good event. The hospitality has been great.”