Iditarod gives anchorage, other communities, financial boost: Iditarod frenzy translates to statewide economic surge.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Alaska This Month

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Statistics can't quantify the passion that fuels Iditarod mushers, race volunteers, fans and schoolchildren worldwide. That zeal is gaining momentum.

For 2008 a record-high 113 entries were recorded for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Several teams have dropped out, and race officials expect about 90 mushers for the ceremonial start on Anchorage's Fourth Avenue.

This year's race starts Saturday, March 1 in Anchorage, followed by the restart at 2 p.m. Sunday on Willow Lake. The afternoon restart allows dog teams to run in the cooling temperatures they prefer, said Chas St. George, director of public relations for the Iditarod Trail Committee.

The 1,049-mile sled dog race appeals to people's hearts for many reasons.

St. George covered the race for several years as a broadcast journalist. He marveled at the athleticism of the sled dogs and the dog-musher relationship.

"What motivated me most was the bond between canine and human," he said.

Shelly Wozniak, public relations manager for the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, also followed the race as a journalist. She believes the Iditarod's widespread appeal relates to bygone frontiers, the challenge of the race and its spectacular setting.

"The Iditarod speaks to that historic, authentic Alaska era. It resonates with the pioneer spirits we Americans have," Wozniak said.

ECONOMIC IMPACT--FAR AND WIDE

The race is growing: more mushers and dogs, as well as race attendees and volunteers. Those numbers translate into spending throughout the state as racers, staff and fans travel the route from Anchorage to Nome.

A 1992 study pegged the statewide economic impact at $15 million, St. George said. Anchorage, home of the ceremonial start, probably sees nearly $6 million in spending, according to a 2003 study by the International Festivals and Events Association.

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And the race has grown since then, St. George said.

A 2007 Northern Economics report for the City of Wasilla estimates a $2 million one-day economic impact even though the restart takes place in Willow. The 2006 restart attracted 19,000 attendees, about 11,000 Alaskans and 8,000 nonresidents, he said. Lodging and meals accounted for the largest portion on visitors' Iditarod restart spending, the report shows.

"We are seeing more growth in attendance," St. George said. Also, race fans are increasingly booking lodging in the Wasilla area to attend the restart, he said.

With 90 racers and more...