The year is 1984 (not as predicted by George Orwell) and the Iron Dog Race was just getting its roots. "The World's Longest Toughest Snowmobile Race" is a self-proclaimed moniker that means what it says - when you compete, you'll be traveling 2,031 miles over some of the most rugged terrain Alaska has to offer with only a snowmobile as your companion for the duration of the trek.
For thirty years, Alaska Iron Dog has drawn competitors from around the world for the week-long race and steadily gained popularity for its unusual route and the addition of a professional class of riders. The race originally followed the Northern Route of the Historic Iditarod Trail to Nome, Alaska but now starts in Big Lake, brushes by Nome and ends up in Fairbanks, over 2,000 cold, frosty miles away. Outdoor survival skills are an absolute necessity to compete in the wild as you encounter some of the harshest winter conditions the state can produce. The good news is that the race works on a buddy system - each team consists of two people and two snowmobiles for safety reasons, a good rule of thumb you've been practicing since kindergarten. The Alaska Iron Dog is definitely not for the faint of heart!
Their sticker is definitely rugged, as well, with an "X marks the spot" theme that is bright and eye-catching enough to pique anyone's curiosity. Featuring the race slogan, logo and a clean design, there's no mistaking this sticker as belonging to anyone else but the bravest among us. Strike up a conversation, learn more about the participants and possibly enter the race yourself - now that's true sticker power!
The race starts February 20, 2015 but registration ends October 31st! Click here to register. Interested to see if you have what it takes to join? Watch this video from the 2014 Iron Dog Race, then click here to get your own awesome stickers - if you dare!