ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Organizers of the renowned Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race have decided to relocate the official starting point further north due to insufficient snowfall along a treacherous segment of the trail.

The traditional ceremonial start for the race will still occur in Anchorage on March 1. However, the official beginning for the 33 competing teams will take place on March 3 in Fairbanks, which is approximately 360 miles (579 kilometers) to the north.

This marks the fourth time in the event’s history that the starting location has been altered due to snow shortages. Fairbanks previously hosted the start in 2003, 2015, and 2017.

Last month, officials had indicated that the race would proceed as usual from the Anchorage area. Nonetheless, further assessments by trail breakers revealed that ongoing dry conditions had rendered a segment of the course—specifically the area between the Rohn and Nikolai checkpoints, located north of the Alaska Range—impassable.

According to Race Marshal Warren Palfrey, the decision was made following extensive discussions with the lead Trail Breaker and other knowledgeable local figures. Palfrey emphasized the absence of new snow predicted in the forecast, which led to the conclusion that the 20-mile (32-kilometer) stretch of trail could not safely support the teams. “It is unfortunate because the rest of the trail leading to Nome is in excellent condition,” he stated.

Safety remains the paramount concern for the Iditarod organizers, which includes the welfare of dogs, mushers, and volunteers involved in the race.

Typically, this particular segment of the Iditarod is notorious for its challenging conditions, ranking among the worst trails throughout the entire 1,000-mile (1,609-kilometer) route across the Alaskan wilderness. The race guidelines advise mushers to navigate this portion in groups due to the likelihood of requiring assistance. Hazards that can be encountered in this stretch include windblown gravel bars, powerful winds, crossing rivers, glacier formations, and treacherous icy conditions at the canyon floor.

Competitors are anticipated to reach Nome around ten days following the race’s commencement.