Race officials say
“While Southcentral, in general, has experienced more than adequate snowfall, Rainy Pass and the Dalzell Gorge have not.”
The restart has been held in Fairbanks twice since its first running in 1973 — in 2003 and 2015. The 2016 restart was almost held in Fairbanks because of poor conditions, but Iditarod officials ultimately decided to keep it in Willow.
“As always, our commitment is to ensure the very best possible race for the field of 75 teams that are entered,” according to the statement.
Accordingly, the official start of the race on March 5th, the day after the ceremonial start in Anchorage, may take place in Fairbanks.
5 comments:
Strange. It may become the standard, though, given the 'global warming' and all...
Interesting Reverend. I always sort of assumed all of Alaska got snow in winter (based on Northerly location). I had no idea it was like that.
Linda & TB, the farther north one goes, the colder it gets - and the colder it gets, the drier the air becomes, so there's less snow. Most of the heavy snow is nearer the ocean, where the temps are moderated a bit, and there's plenty of humidity. But yes, it's unusual for the affected areas mentioned in the article to have so little snow.
Rev. Paul,
With all the changes in the weather, I can understand why they've moved it.
Sandy, there's plenty of snow at this end, and on the other, but the affected area is in the middle of the course. The Fairbanks route bypasses Rainy Pass & joins the regular course just west of the snowless area.
The organizers have long since laid out multiple routes, for just such a reason. I give 'em credit for being prepared.
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