On the first Saturday of March every year, the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod takes place in downtown Anchorage. Thousands of people will line the streets of Fourth Avenue, as well as the rest of the route, in order to cheer on the mushers as they depart from the starting line at Fourth Avenue and D Street. Mushers will make their way to Campbell Airstrip which is approximately 11 miles away from the starting line. 

The ceremonial start is always an exciting event. Dogs, who are anxious to run, can be heard barking, yelping, and singing a loud chorus. Mushers are often in a very happy mood and enjoy sharing the fun with all of the spectators. The area is filled with media who are bringing this experience to the rest of the world. The scent in the air can often be traced to one of the various food vendors. In essence, it is a tremendous celebration. Most people are unaware of the incredible work and planning that takes place in order to transform the streets and get them ready for this exciting event. 

On the night before the ceremonial start, up to 150 dump truck loads of snow are deposited on the streets of Anchorage. Additional large machines are used to help spread out the snow and groom it. This endeavor is completed by the help of many people; however, there is one important figure who oversees the operation. Karl Heidelbach, the Iditarod Anchorage Start Coordinator, has had the job of organizing the Anchorage Iditarod start for the last 11 years. Prior to that, Karl volunteered in other Iditarod-related positions for nine years. 

Karl Heidelback, Iditarod Anchorage Start Coordinator

Karl said that, logistically speaking, plans regarding the acquisition of snow are discussed many months in advance. For the ceremonial start, the Iditarod uses recycled snow that is clean and safe for the dogs and the mushers. The snow is stockpiled at an offsite location and is typically also used for the Fur Rondy events that similarly take place downtown. The process of dumping the snow begins around 8 P.M. and usually ends anywhere between 12 A.M. and 3 A.M. In regard to the depth of the snow, Karl said that there has been years where almost one foot of snow has been dumped and groomed along the streets. This year, he expects that the snow will be up to half a foot deep after being groomed. The advantages to having snow that is not so deep is it’ll be easier for dog handlers to help transport the teams and mushers’ trucks will be able to drive and park more easily.

While watching the Cermonial Start, one may easily overlook and forget that the snow the teams travel on actually wasn’t there 24 hours prior. Karl and other workers who prepare the streets are instrumental to the success of this day and race. 

If you are unable to watch the race in person, become an Iditarod Insider and you will have access to live streaming. Here’s what the schedule for the 2019 Iditarod Ceremonial Start looks like:

• 9:30- live broadcast begins
• 9:34- Pre-race Color Guard // Singing of the National Anthem and the singing of the Alaska Flag Song
• 9:45- Bib #1- Introduction of honorary musher
• 9:46- Ribbon cutting ceremony begins
• 9:57- Honorary musher will depart with Anna Stephan, the 2019 Jr. Iditarod Champion
• 10:00- Mushers depart from the starting line