2,283 miles through 31 Alaska communities
The course will continue to cover 2,283 miles through 31 Alaska communities, including the historic expansion through Huslia, Shungnak, and Ambler. While the mileage and communities remain unchanged, racers will now travel the new section in the opposite direction.
2027 Pro Class distance
- Communities
- 31
- Checkpoints
- TBA
- Pro teams
- Open
Overview & Schedule at a glance
Race week 2027
Thursday, February 11th, 2027
Expedition Class departs February 11, 2027, from Big Lake, finishing in Nome.
▲ Green flag
Saturday, February 13th, 2027
Pro Class begins February 13, 2027, departing from Big Lake and finishing in Fairbanks.
Sunday, February 21st, 2027
Race week runs 13 to 21 February 2027. Nome halfway, the wrench day pause and the Fairbanks finish all sit inside that window.
The route
The 2027 course
The course will continue to cover 2,283 miles through 31 Alaska communities, including the historic expansion through Huslia, Shungnak, and Ambler. While the mileage and communities remain unchanged, racers will now travel the new section in the opposite direction.
After reaching Galena from Big Lake, racers will continue through Kaltag to Nome, before continuing to Kotzebue and then traveling through Noorvik, Selawik, Kiana, Ambler, Shungnak, Huslia, and back to Galena on their way to the finish line in Fairbanks.
The updated route will help improve checkpoint operations, create a smoother flow for racers and volunteers, and support more efficient race management throughout the event while preserving the same challenging course across Alaska.
Checkpoints
The 2027 checkpoints
Iron Dog has not published the 2027 checkpoint list.
Classes
Pro, Expedition and Ambassador
Pro races the clock. Expedition and Ambassador ride the same trail without one.
- Pro Class2,283 MI
The Iron Dog Professional Class is a highly competitive race. It is the World's Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race.
Each Pro Class race team consists of two racers and two snowmachines that are released in intervals. Pro Class riders are required to take a minimum of set layovers in specific locations for a total of 30 hours.
This event does not require any qualifying race to enter (however Iron Dog reserves the right to refuse an entry for any reason).
Route
Big Lake to Fairbanks, by way of Galena, Kaltag, Nome and Kotzebue.
- Expedition Class
Not a competitive race, but equally as tough and rewarding, and gives participants valuable experience and a taste of what racing the Pro Class could be like.
Teams are required to be a minimum of two persons on their own snowmachines. There are no specific requirements for the brand, CC or type of snowmachine when participating.
Participants encounter much of the same challenges of the Pro Class without the competitive pressure of the race. The teams in this class start days before the Pro Class and meet up with them in Nome.
Riders are provided fuel, oil and basic instructions about the route but are generally expected to cover personal expenses such as accommodation, food and any unexpected expenses.
Route
Big Lake to Nome, departing 11 February 2027.
- Ambassador Class
A program designed to represent the race, its sponsors, and the communities along the route while promoting snowmachine safety, education, and reliability.
While they will not be chasing the Pro Class podium, these riders will be doing something equally important: showing what it means to ride prepared, ride smart, and ride with purpose.
The Ambassador Team exists outside the race clock, but firmly within the heart of Iron Dog. These riders represent the idea that success is not measured only by finish times; it is measured by preparation, safety, community respect, and the ability to make it run when conditions are far from ideal.
Route
Big Lake to Nome, alongside the Expedition Class.
How to follow the race
Leaderboard, tracking, stream and news
- LeaderboardLive standings and release times, checkpoint by checkpoint.
- GPS TrackingEvery tracker on the course, on the map.
- Live StreamStart, wrench day, Nome arrival and the finish.
- Latest NewsRace headquarters updates and stories from the trail.
- Field & RosterWho is entered, on what, and out of where.
- Schedule of EventsTimes, venues and what is open to the public.
- Course MapThe route and the checkpoints along it.
- Race GuideRacer bios and stories from the trail.
Commonly asked questions
Who grooms the trail?
Eight of the questions Iron Dog gets asked most.
What is the most frequently asked question?
It is without a doubt, "who grooms the trail?" This shows the common lack of understanding. Only the entrance to the race is groomed. Sometimes there is no trail. Sometimes the race course has been changed to avoid open water on some of the warmer years.
What is the coldest temperature racers face?
Some racers have recorded temps as low as -57 degrees Fahrenheit. Although most racers claim it can get much colder in the river basins and valleys. The wind chill factor at the speeds the racers travel are often in the subzero triple digit range. Sled seats can even become brittle at these temperatures.
What are the most common break downs?
By far the most common are suspension problems. The extreme cold makes everything brittle; combine that with such excessive abuse and additional gear weight over an extended period, and parts begin to fail. Next to that may be good old-fashioned running out of fuel. Most riders carry an additional 3 to 6 gallons beyond the OEM fuel load.
What services are available at the checkpoints?
Fuel. Everything else varies. Some checkpoints have been no more than a tent.
What type of racing fuel is used?
Racing fuel is not used. It is automotive fuel that is flown in and air dropped at the several locations. In some remote locations, the fuel sits for months before being used. It can become water contaminated or lose most of its octane. The fuel is provided to the racers by Iron Dog but at a great expense often times more than $10 a gallon.
What is the difference between a Rookie and a Veteran?
Unlike many other sports and races, the Iron Dog maintains a long-standing tradition of giving "Rookie" status to all racers who have never FINISHED the Pro Class race. Veteran status is only given to a person who has successfully completed the Pro Class race by crossing the finish line.
What are the more challenging parts of the trail?
Racers will encounter a very diverse geography, wildly varying snow conditions and extreme temperatures. There are large open plains with little or no snow requiring racers to be careful not to overheat the sled and melt the hifax. There is a 5-mile stretch known as the "Tunnel," where the trees are so close that a racer might only be able to see 10 feet ahead at any given time. The trick is to keep both skis on the same side of every tree.
Has an all-women's team ever finished the race?
Yes. In February, 2001, the first women's team, Jackie Page and Missy McClurg finished the Pro-Class race placing 15th in 60 hours and 23 minutes (1,971 miles). In 2023, the second all-women team finished the Pro-Class race, PLUS the inclusion of the Red Dog Loop. Hillarie Gossett and Ashley Wood placed 14th in 85 hours and 7 minutes (2,503 miles).