Following a recent review of the 2027 route, the Trail Committee and the Iron Dog Board of Directors discussed, collaborated, and voted to run the new section of the course in the opposite direction for its inaugural year.
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.
A huge thank you to the Trail Committee, the Iron Dog Board of Directors, and the communities along the trail for your continued collaboration, input, and support as we prepare for Iron Dog 2027.
We can't wait to see racers take on the updated course and this exciting new stretch of trail!
We'll see everyone at the starting line in February 2027. 🏁
📍 Pro Class begins February 13, 2027, departing from Big Lake and finishing in Fairbanks.
📍 Expedition Class departs February 11, 2027, from Big Lake, finishing in Nome.