Race Structure
The Su Dog 300 is a non-profit organization focused on hosting a 300 mile qualifying race that is educational and fun!
To promote teamwork, mentorship, and general fun on the trails, there is no cash prize for top placing finishes in this race. In lieu of cash prices, we have prepared an assortment of amazing gift packages for every finishing musher. From chainsaws to sled bags to those new AK Gear bunny boots to Apocalypse mittens and beyond, we’ve got some great prizes lined up! Mushers will choose their prize at the Closing Ceremonies in order of their finishing place.
The Su Dog 300 is an Iditarod qualifier.
race route
The 2026 Su Dog will start and finish in Willow, making a large loop connecting the many communities of the valley including Willow, Caswell, Talkeetna, Chase, Trapper Creek, and Petersville.
Each leg of the race will be 45 - 100 miles with 4 checkpoints: Sheep Creek Lodge, Talkeetna (both the Swiss Alaska Inn and Talkeetna Boat Launch & Campground), Trapper Creek Vitus, and the Forks Roadhouse.
Our checkpoints are major sponsors of this race and we couldn't do it without them. Let them know you appreciate them by supporting their business.
Race Rules
Sections of the race rules that differ from other races in Alaska are in bold in the document above. Please read the rules and take special note to read these bolded sections to be familiar with Su Dog rules. Special rules of note:
Handlers are NOT allowed to assist their mushers aside from parking teams, delivering drop bags, and watching parked teams while a musher sleeps. Even if the musher is not using the race as a qualifier. We encourage mushers to enjoy the work and connection to their team during their checkpoint routine.
Road crossings will be staffed by Su Dog, handlers are requested to NOT meet mushers at road crossings in order to reduce roadside hazards.
Lighted collars on lead dogs and reflective material on back of musher’s outerwear, harnesses, dog coats, and sled are required. The Susitna valley has high levels of snowmachine traffic; lighted collars and reflective fabric on dogs, sled, and musher are to promote the safety of all our participants.
Musher meeting:
11am Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Mushers may come as early as they need to park, feed dogs, etc. Note: musher meeting is the morning of race start in order to better accommodate out-of-town teams. Vet checks will be pre-scheduled blocks before and after musher meeting.
Race Start:
2pm Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Closing Ceremonies
6pm Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
The closing ceremonies will consist of a community dinner, awards ceremony and recognition of all the passion that has gone into making this race a success. All fans, volunteers, handlers and mushers are welcome!
Sign up for the
inaugural su dog 300!
When signing up for the Su Dog 300, the following information will be required:
Musher Name, phone number, email, mailing address
Emergency contact name & phone number
Handler name & phone number (can be changed later)
Kennel Name
Name(s) of Lead Dogs or Notable Dogs
Short Musher Bio
This information WILL BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER. There will only be 20 positions available, so please have this information ready in order to secure your entry to the race!
Signups open Oct 15th, 2025 at 6pm on this webpage:
After signing up you will be asked to email a signed copy of the waiver as well as a photo of yourself to sudog300@gmail.com
Here is the link to the waiver!
Using Su Dog 300 as a qualifier?
Here’s a link to the Iditarod Qualifier Form. You will be required to bring a PHYSICAL COPY of this form to the Musher Meeting so race judges can assess you during the race.