Iron Dog 2024: 23 teams begin the 2,500 mile journey from Big Lake

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A brutal, unforgiving race, the Iron Dog is considered by many one of the toughest snowmachine races in the world.

In its 40th edition, 23 Pro Class teams race from Big Lake to Nome and back, including the Kotzebue Loop. The race began Saturday morning in Big Lake. The game plan for the more than 2,500-mile race is consistent for most teams.

“We want to stay clean for the first day, get the first day out of the way,” Evan Barber, of team 9, said. “It is the toughest terrain, so we’ll do what we can.”

Team 48′s Kristofer Sindorf gave his advice.

”Stay smooth, stay consistent, stay hydrated,” Sindorf said.

Race veteran George Lambert is running Team 33 with rookie Skyler Wells this year.

”Just take it easy the first day, get the first day out of the way, make sure you’re running a nice, smooth race.,” Lambert said.

The race can’t be won in one day. It can be lost in a day, though.

”Day one is just about keeping it shiny side up, keep the skis down, try to work out the jitters, it is a lot of preparation coming down to these next few days,” Klinton VanWingerden, of Team 49, said.

What prepares the racers for the long, rough and relentless race?

“I don’t know,” VanWingerden said with a laugh. “I keep asking myself that at about this time every year. “I am thankful to be running with Todd [Palin] and being able to connect with all of the people in the communities, it is such a special time. ... There is no better feeling than crossing the finish line and getting back to your family.”

Team 34′s Kelly Sommer was asked what prepares him for what is branded as “The World’s longest, toughest Snowmobile Race.” Sommer finished the 2023 Iron Dog in seventh place.

“I don’t know, it’s fun,” Sommer said. “I feel like I could do better ever year, but I guess we’ll find out.”

Paul Sindorf, 61, who’s riding with his son Kristofer, 31, on Team 48, was asked what prepares them for the big race.

“We’re doing the family thing,” Paul Sindorf said. “I did this with Kristofer in 2016 and we had a really good time so we are bringing it back and doing it again.”

Kristofer was asked the same question.

“It was so much fun the first time, we decided to sign back up,” Kristofer Sindorf said.

Here is the race’s live tracker and leaderboard.

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