UPDATE FROM THE IDITAROD REGARDING COVID VACCINATIONS FOR THE 2023 IDITAROD TRAIL SLED DOG RACE

While the Iditarod continues to recommend Covid vaccinations for our entire community, we will not be mandating vaccinations for Iditarod mushers, staff or volunteers for the 2023 race. With regard to testing protocols, we are evaluating needs in conjunction with medical advisors, Iditarod communities, partners and stakeholders, while concurrently  accounting for the projected trajectory of Covid cases in Alaska up until the race start. In 2021 and 2022 we spent considerable time and resources on testing protocols with the help of the State of Alaska, Dr. Jodie Guest, the Capstone Clinic and CUE Health and will continue to include them in future discussions.

Our ultimate goal is to keep mushers, volunteers, and communities along the Southern Route safe,  and we appreciate your understanding and patience as we sort through the appropriate testing and mitigation protocols. We will inform you with updates as we get closer to March 4, 2023, the start of Iditarod Fifty-One.