The 50th anniversary running of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in 2022 will be run under a Covid-19 vaccination mandate according to a release by the Iditarod Board of Directors on Thursday.
The Iditarod Board of Directors passed a resolution which will require requiring vaccinations for the entire Iditarod community: mushers, staff, contractors, volunteers, pilots, veterinarians, etc. according to a release from the Iditarod.
According to the Iditarod Board, “This decision was made in concert with feedback from rural Alaska and is reflective of the Iditarod’s broad community health consciousness.”
Iditarod Board press release…
The Iditarod has had to make several tough decisions in order to be extremely diligent navigating COVID-19 for both the 2020 and 2021 races. Now, more than ever, we are hyper focused to ensure zero community transmission as we prepare to return to the traditional Northern Route and Nome finish in March of 2022.
Accordingly, The Iditarod Board of Directors has passed a resolution requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all participants in the 2022 race. This applies to the entire Iditarod community, mushers, staff, contractors, volunteers, pilots, veterinarians, etc. This decision was made in concert with feedback from rural Alaska and is reflective of the Iditarod’s broad community health consciousness.
With regard to a comprehensive COVID-19 plan for our 50th Anniversary event we are developing plans corresponding to COVID-19’s current and anticipated trajectory and will provide updates as the pandemic evolves. In the meantime, if you have any question on the vaccination policy, please contact Covid-Prevention@Iditarod.com
The 2022 Iditarod, an even-numbered year, will run over the northern route with a ceremonial start in Anchorage, a restart in Willow, and a finish under the burled arch in downtown Nome.
Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach stated, “It’s probably the only way we can run our traditional route, and go through the villages.”
For information on the 2022 Iditarod Sled Dog Race: Click Here!