Anchorage, AK - The Iron Dog is bringing back the "Gold Rush" with a new halfway prize.
With support from its sponsors and approval from the Board of Directors, the 2011 Iron Dog has introduced the theme of "Bringing back the Gold Rush" and a new prize for the first Pro Class team to arrive in Nome.
"The addition of the Gold Rush Prize will add an exciting element to the race, recognizes the significance of Alaska's gold towns and pays homage to the origins of the Iron Dog race," Marianne Beckham, the board of directors president, said.
The gold prize worth $10,000 will be awarded during the halfway ceremony to the first Pro Class team that arrives in Nome, AK.
"Not only is the Iron Dog a race, it's a rush," Kevin Kastner, executive director of the Iron Dog, said. "Gold has always been synonymous with Alaska and the concept of bringing back the Gold Rush is also a fun way to characterize the Iron Dog. This new halfway prize is just the beginning of a new vision for the Iron Dog. It will be interesting to see if the $10,000 prize has an impact on racer strategy this year. Beyond the halfway prize, the Iron Dog is looking very positive for 2011 and I can't wait to share some of the new plans we have in the works."
Pro Class racer entries began Aug. 2 and remain open until Nov. 15. Early entry for Pro Class ends Sept. 15. Early entries include priority drawing for race position and discounted entry fee.