A collage of images showcasing the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, featuring sled dogs in action, mushers, and the official restart event in Fairbanks, Alaska in Mat-Su, Alaska

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race – Official Start

DATE: March 8, 2026

TIME: Starts at 2:00pm

LOCATION:
Willow Community Center

Willow, AK

Join us for the Iditarod Restart Sunday, March 8 on Willow Lake for the Official Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®. Teams begin to depart at 2 p.m., so get there early to grab a good viewing spot.
At 2 p.m., the first teams will depart on their way to Nome, leaving in 2 minute intervals until all of the teams have left. The clock starts for the mushers as they leave the starting line. The difference in starting times is made up on a musher’s 24 hour mandatory layover.
There will be a $10 charge per vehicle for parking. The general public will not be allowed to park in the Willow Community Center parking lot. Handicapped parking will be located as close as possible to the Willow Community Center entrance.
On race day, look for electronic sign boards located on the Parks Highway in Wasilla and at Houston High School advising current information on parking availability in Willow.
Follow along the trail with all of the mushers and support the Race by becoming an Iditarod Insider! Live streaming, videos, GPS tracking, email alerts, documentaries, you name it! Register today at: iditarod.com/insider
For additional details regarding Iditarod 2026, please contact Iditarod HQ at (907) 376-5155 or visit iditarod.com.

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