MARCH 14, 2025 – The 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race kicked off with a thrilling restart in Fairbanks, Alaska, March 3, 2025. With a snowy landscape and a heart-pumping race, it’s a true celebration of the Alaskan spirit and Alaska’s beauty and resilience and a true testament to the great state of Alaska.
During the historical restart in Fairbanks, Airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing volunteered to support and strengthen bonds in the tight-knit Alaskan community. Members of the 168 WG took the opportunity to volunteer their time in the Fairbanks community, embodying the spirit of service during the historical Iditarod restart.
Their assignments ranged from dog handling to security and traffic coordination.
Senior Master Sgt. Keith Rowan, an air refueling boom operator, had the opportunity to help as a dog handler, assisting the mushers in moving their teams to the start line.
“The dog handler position was no easy task, as the dogs pulled you along and ran excitedly,” said Rowan. “They said to make sure you come back to help another musher after you get down to the start line. I now understand why they mention that. The dogs run with excitement and pull you along. Being in the back the first time was harder and involved some physical exertion, but the next run was easier.”
The mushers departed Fairbanks, with teams leaving in two-minute intervals, signaling the official start of the grueling race.
The 2025 Iditarod, an enduring symbol of Alaska’s resilience and adventurous spirit, saw 33 mushers and their teams embark on the longest trail in Iditarod history, spanning 1,128 miles from Fairbanks to Nome.
“The 2025 Iditarod will surely be remembered as a historic race, not only for its challenging route but also for the unmatched community spirit that surrounded it at the restart in Fairbanks,” said Chris Shelton, Iditarod Restart Volunteer Coordinator.
The Iditarod is an endurance race, and the 168th WG shows true service is about commitment to our mission and the people we serve. The wing’s dedication to local support highlights the unity and strength of the Alaskan people.
The courageous dogs of the Iditarod, renowned for their strength, resilience, and unwavering determination, have been central to the race’s history. The race’s roots go back to 1925, when sled dogs saved the town of Nome from a diphtheria outbreak by transporting life-saving medicine across treacherous Alaskan terrain.
Story by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey
168th Wing