BLM Campbell Tract Hosts Iditarod Ceremonial Start Activities
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will once again finish at the Campbell Tract Facility on Saturday, March 3. The world’s most famous sled dog race officially begins the following day and this event is a spectator-friendly ceremony where dogs and mushers interact with fans.
The 730-acre Campbell Tract is BLM-managed public land located in the heart of Anchorage. Located just off Elmore Road near E. 68th Avenue, there are several locations to view the mushers and dog teams as they finish their 11-mile run from downtown Anchorage. The run from downtown to the Campbell Tract takes approximately 45 minutes. The BLM’s Campbell Creek Science Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature Iditarod National Historic Trail exhibits, activities, hot cocoa, and a place to warm up.
Download the map of the race route on the Campbell Tract with viewing sites.
Visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle buses, which provide access to race viewing areas on Campbell Tract from parking lots at Kasuun Elementary and Abbott Loop Community Park. Shuttle bus service will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The BLM asks that visitors leave their dogs at home to avoid conflicts with sled dogs. In addition, the Campbell Tract is closed to motorized recreation and is a “No Drone Zone.”
The BLM serves as federal administrator for the Iditarod National Historic Trail and works with partners to maintain and promote the historic qualities that make the Iditarod unique among our nation’s National Historic Trails. BLM facilitates efforts by volunteers and local, state and federal agencies on behalf of the entire trail. BLM maintains about 120 miles of the trail, including five public shelter cabins. The BLM is also a partner in the Iditarod Trail to Every Classroom! (iTREC!) teacher training program.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.