With no roads, no trains and a frozen Bering Sea, shipping options were limited back in 1925 when Nome desperately needed diphtheria anti-toxin. Ground transport by experienced mail carriers and their trusted dog teams would be the tried and true method but Aviation enthusiasts were quick to suggest airmail would be a much faster way …
After the Alameda, the final supply ship of the season, pulled anchor and headed to warmer waters, Welch saw more sore throats than usual. Tonsillitis was his initial diagnosis. Late in December, one of the children with tonsillitis died. The native parents didn’t allow Welch to do an examination. In January, Dr. Welch learned that …
Stu Nelson, a soft spoken man, but a giant in the world of sled dogs and adventure, passed away unexpectedly in late September near his home in northern Idaho. Dr. Stu Nelson has served Iditarod – both sled dogs and mushers for 38 years. Iditarod is all about the dogs and so was Nelson! He’s …
It is with great sadness that we announce that the Iditarod’s Head Veterinarian, Dr. Stuart Nelson, passed away earlier this week in Idaho. Dr. Stu Nelson, Jr. has been a part of the Iditarod Family and an integral part of The Last Great Race® for 38 years and will be missed tremendously. We encourage …
The Application for the 2026 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™️ is Here The Iditarod Teacher on the TrailTM program is a unique opportunity for one selected educator to teach beyond the traditional classroom walls via Internet and to be involved in a program that reaches students around the world during a one-year volunteer teaching job. Be …
Dr. Curtis Welch had arrived in Alaska in 1907. He was very familiar with the winters and rather enjoyed the isolation of the ice bound, blizzard swept town of Nome. Nearly half of Nome’s population shipped out for the winter on the last vessels departing before the Bering Sea froze. Being icebound November through June, …
The Iditarod announced today that they have formed a partnership with the Alaska SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Starting on October 1, 2024, 10% of all proceeds from the Iditarod Lotto will be donated to the Alaska SPCA to help towards their mission of promoting animal welfare in the state …
As of September 10, 2024, the Iditarod has announced that, due to violation of Rule 39, Joshua Robbins’ 27th place finish during the 2024 Iditarod will be vacated. Rule 39 states, “No oral or topical drug which may suppress the signs of illness or injury may be used on a dog. No …
What’s the IAF All About? Watch to find out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL_KHOqPmSc In the heart of Alaska, where the wild stretches far beyond the reach of the ordinary, lies a testament to endurance, courage, and the unbreakable bond between human and dog. This is the Iditarod, the world’s most famous sled dog race, tracing a century-old route …
Linda Fenton and Jim Deprez will be sharing the broad spectrum of duties that fall under the heading of Iditarod Education. Coinciding with the beginning of a new school year, Iditarod announced the co-directorship effective the first of September. Likely their names sound familiar. They’ve both served as Teacher on the Trail™ and have taken …