Anchorage packs four wild events into a few brief weeks

Anchorage, Alaska – Looking for winter fun, a true Alaska experience and a dash of adventure? Four events spice up February and early March in Anchorage. Iron Dog, Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® and the Tour of Anchorage fill the city with winter activities to suit any interest.

The world's longest snowmobile race revs up winter fun in Anchorage. Iron Dog pits teams of two racers each against a 2,000 mile course stretching between Anchorage, Nome and Fairbanks. The first race was in 1984 and since then the Iron Dog has grown into one of winter's big events. The Anchorage start was first added in 2015, and the race returns to town for its third year in 2017, with a weekend of hall of fame events, aerial snowmobile tricks, and the start of the pro class race on the streets of downtown Anchorage.

From the last week of February to the First weekend of March, Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, or “Rondy” as it's known locally, features dozens of events that make the most of the Alaska winter. Wild events like outhouse races, a frostbite footrace and snowshoe softball mean lots of fun and plenty of friendly competition for bragging rights. This year Rondy marks the seventh annual Running of the Reindeer. In the event, participants make a mad dash down Fourth Avenue alongside the live reindeer. Rondy is also home to the World Championship Sled Dog Races, the premier short-distance sled dog race. But just as Rondy reaches its pinnacle, another event – perhaps the most iconic Alaska event – kicks off in Anchorage.

The 1,049 mile Iditarod® starts in downtown Anchorage. On the first Saturday of March mushers, dogs and sleds will line Fourth Avenue as spectators pack the sidewalks in anticipation of the “Last Great Race.” After a mile and a half on city streets, the course speeds through forested trails, greenbelts and parks of Anchorage. But this is merely the beginning, in the days ahead, mushers face daunting terrain, treacherous weather and vast wilderness on their way to Nome, Alaska. But even after the last team has left Anchorage, the weekend holds another big event.

See the city of Anchorage and get a good workout in the process. On the first Sunday of March, the annual Tour of Anchorage takes full advantage of the city's vast trail system for the ultimate cross country skiing event. The race is part of the American Ski Marathon Series, North America's longest running and largest citizen's racing and touring series. With 50K, 40K and 25K routes, it's all about endurance. Whether speeding to the finish line or taking a more leisurely pace, the Tour of Anchorage is a great way to experience Alaska through the trail system.

Visit Anchorage's mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. With more than 135 miles of paved trails, one of the nation's largest state parks, first-class amenities and a blend of cultures found only in Alaska, Anchorage lives a Big Wild Life. For more information on Anchorage's wild adventures and urban delights, visit www.Anchorage.net.

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MEDIA CONTACTS: Jeanette Anderson Moores, PR Manager, (907) 257-2375, jmoores@anchorage.net

Visit Anchorage, 524 West Fourth Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501-2212 Visit www.Anchorage.net