The Route

The ITI follows the historic Iditarod Trail from its trailhead at Knik Lake near Anchorage to the remote interior village of McGrath, continuing to the Bering Sea before reaching the trail's conclusion in Nome.

After the village of Ophir, the trail diverges into northern and southern routes before rejoining in Kaltag. Generally, in even-numbered years, the northern route is followed, and in odd-numbered years, the southern route is taken.

The ITI will follow the southern route in 2025.

* THE ROUTE IS NOT MARKED. Anyone who is not comfortable navigating in harsh winter conditions over potentially dangerous terrain in the wilderness should not participate in this race.

Checkpoints

Seven checkpoints with food and minimal lodging will be available to participants. Although there is generally no designated or marked path, athletes must sign in and out at every checkpoint. GPS coordinates for each checkpoint will be provided in the Athlete’s Guide sent to each athlete before the race.

Checkpoint 1 - Butterfly Lake (mile 25)

  • Snacks, hot and cold water provided

  • Members of the community are encouraged to visit to support the athletes

Checkpoint 2 - Bentalit Lodge (mile 75)

  • Racers pay for meals and lodging, if desired

  • Hot and cold water provided

Checkpoint 3 - Finger Lake (mile 125) 

  • Meals and tent lodging provided

Checkpoint 4 - Puntilla Lake (mile 150) 

  • Meals and lodging provided

  • Upgraded meals and lodging for sale in Rainy Pass Lodge

Checkpoint 5 - Rohn (mile 200) 

  • Meals and tent lodging provided

Checkpoint 6 - Nikolai (mile 300)

  • Meals and lodging provided

Checkpoint 7 - McGrath (mile 350)

  • Meals and lodging provided

  • Hot and cold water provided

Supply Drops

Three supply drops are provided for ITI 1000 participants and two supply drops are provided for ITI 350 competitors. Drop bags may only contain consumable items (food, batteries, hand warmers, etc); all survival gear must be carried by competitors from the start.

Drop #1

  • Checkpoint 4 - Finger Lake (mile 125)

  • 5 lb limit

Drop #2

  • Checkpoint 6 - Rohn (mile 200)

  • 5 lb limit

Drop #3

  • Iditarod (mile 473)

  • 10 lb limit

  • Liquid fuel provided

ITI 1000 participants may mail boxes of consumable items to themselves in villages along the route prior to the start of the race.

Transport

Pre-Race

Buses and cargo vans will transport athletes and their gear to the starting line from the race hotel. The vans and buses will begin loading on February 23rd at 10:30am and will depart at 11am.

Return Flights

ITI 350: arranged and paid for by participants upon arrival in McGrath

ITI 1000: arranged and paid for by participants with Alaska Airlines upon arrival in Nome

Anchorage Lodging

Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown

101 E Tudor Rd
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 562-1235

The Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown is the ITI’s host hotel for lodging before and after the race. The hotel is centrally located near restaurants, REI, and other resources. Athletes and their families qualify for a special rate, and the following amenities will be offered to ITI guests:

  • Bicycles and gear allowed in guest rooms;

  • Complimentary breakfast in the hotel restaurant;

  • Free airport shuttle; and

  • The hotel will store luggage for free during the event.