The Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC), in collaboration with the City of Nome, has announced a new fundraising initiative coinciding with the construction of a new Finisher’s Arch. The campaign will give donors a unique opportunity to be part of Iditarod history.
Keeping with tradition, the new arch will still move back and forth between Front Street and Old St. Joe’s Church for race season. Joining the arch next year will be a new, permanent sign featuring the history of the race as well as names and logos of Iditarod donors.
There will be a total of 98 spots spanning three price tiers on the new sign. The high end donation includes a 7.125” spot on the sign for $5,000. Only ten such placements are available. Smaller spots are available for $500 and $250.
Iditarod CEO Robert Urbach spoke to the importance of the arch in a press release.
“Over the last 52 years, a total of 840 different mushers have experienced the life-changing journey of finishing the Iditarod under the hallowed Arch in Nome. This initiative will enable supporters to celebrate, honor, and be fully connected with this journey,” Urbach said.
The new Burled Arch, set to debut at the 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, is being crafted by renowned musher Ramey Smyth. Smyth is a 27-time Iditarod competitor and has earned 12 Top 10 finishes.
The arch will replace one built by Bob Kuiper in 1999. The arch stood in Nome for over two decades before its collapse on April 27.
Mayor John Handeland of Nome expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative in the press release.
“Nome is pleased to be the Iditarod finish line, and we are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Iditarod Trail Committee. The Burled Finisher’s Arch is an iconic symbol recognized worldwide. We eagerly await completion of this third Finisher’s Arch. It will not only welcome mushers completing future Iditarod races, but also fans and visitors alike well into the next decades.”
- John Handeland, Mayor of City of Nome
Orders for spots on the sign are open now on the Iditarod website.
