The 2020 Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Alaska

March 24, 2020 Gina DeStefano

On March 3rd 2020, My dad and I traveled to Alaska for my second time to witness the 2020 Iditarod Race. We booked a tour through Wild Travel Alaska tours and our tour guide, Laurent Dick. He knew the ins and outs of Alaska, which really made the experience worth while. It was a trip of a lifetime! Alaska is by far my favorite place to visit.

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Huskies run in the DeStefano family as we both have two huskies. My dad’s two huskies are sisters, of different generations, to my female husky. Say that five times fast! We have a love for huskies, and we actually have the “family tree” or pedigrees for our girls. They’re related to a dog named infamous Togo, who ran the majority of the 1925 Diphtheria Serum Run. Togo is the OG of sled dogs!

Togo is now stuffed and appears at the Iditarod Trail Museum. Our female huskies are related to Togo so it means a lot to us both that we got to view him at the museum. We’ve always dreamed of experiencing the Iditarod and luckily we were able to make it happen in 2020. Despite all the negatives that surround this race, the dogs are extremely well taken care of. The main priority of the mushers is that of the dogs health. If you’re interested in learning more about the Iditarod, I would definitely recommend this trip! I just love Alaska.

The History Behind The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race first ran to Nome in 1973. In the mid 1950’s, Jo and Vi Redington were writing letters to bring remembrance to the old Iditarod Trail and it’s important historical significance to Alaska’s history. There were two short races using nine miles of the Iditarod Trail in 1967 and 1969. (Sprint races)

By the mid 60′s, most people in Alaska didn’t even know there was an Iditarod Trail or that dog teams had played a very important part in Alaska’s early settlement. Dorothy G. Page, a resident of Wasilla and self-made historian, recognized the importance of an awareness of the use of sled dogs as working animals and of the Iditarod Trail and the important part it played in Alaska’s colorful history.

Dorothy G. Page, the “Mother of the Iditarod” is quoted in the October 1979 issue of the Iditarod Runner on her intent for the Iditarod: “To keep the spirit of the Iditarod the same. I don’t ever want to see high pressure people getting in and changing the spirit of the race. We brought the sled dog back and increased the number of mushers. It is really an Alaskan event. I think the fact that it starts in Anchorage and then ends

What Activities Can You Do in the Area?

Dog Sledding through Dream a Dream Dog Farm with Vern Halter

The Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center: Wolves, Bison, Moose, Oh my!

The Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod in Anchorage, Alaska

The Official Start, which takes place in Willow, Alaska

The Running of the Reindeer Charity Event (where you run with real reindeer!)

Rainy Pass Lodge; we took a ski plane to get to the checkpoint, which flew over the mushers and their teams.

The Best Places to Eat

Looking for a place to eat? Check out these places below.

Settlers Bay Lodge
Glacier Brewhouse
49th State Brewery Company
Campobello’s Cucina Italiana
Simon and Seafort Saloon & Grill

Where to stay?

Chill out at The Lakefront Anchorage, the only lakeside hotel in Anchorage. Watch the floatplanes against the majestic Chugach Mountains. Stay on the shore of Lake Spenard, next to Lake Hood, one mile from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and just four miles from downtown Anchorage… the perfect locale.

Flight-seeing operators and fishing guides pick up daily at the hotel’s own dock, offering an easy way to partake in Alaska’s exciting activities. Check in, enjoy charming hospitality and relax in newly renovated, well-appointed lodge-like guest rooms, ideal for adventure seekers and business travelers alike.

To craft a memorable getaway, book your stay at The Lakefront Anchorage today. Few hotels provide such a high level of service and comfort with the stunning surrounding of the Alaskan wildlife.