Norwegian Billionaire Pledges Over 300,000 Dollars to Support the Iditarod in 2026

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (commonly referred to as Iditarod) began in 1973 and has evolved into a highly competitive race for mushers around the world.

The long-standing tradition runs from Anchorage to Nome, and mushers and a team of between 12 and 16 dogs cover the distance in 8-15 days or more. While highly popular and important to the state of Alaska, the race has struggled financially for some time.

A loss of sponsors and the host hotel in recent years has threatened the annual dog race in Alaska, leading many to worry that the race may be coming to an end.

Now, Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke has pledged over $300,000 to support the 2026 race. 

Røkke is donating $25K directly to the Iditarod Trail Committee and is putting $100K toward the 2026 race, increasing its funds to $650K in total.

He is also offering $170K in community support to the 17 Alaska Native villages along the Northern and Southern Routes, according to the Iditarod Trail Committee.

He will also be covering an additional $2K for every musher who registers for the race by November 28th. 

Expedition Musher Program

The donations take place within the framework of the race's new Expedition Musher Program, introduced in an attempt to boost both exposure and revenue.

This "special honorary category welcomes distinguished individuals from around the world to race the iconic Iditarod while promoting the race’s values of endurance, cultural heritage, and respect for the Arctic environment," according to the Iditarod's website.

Røkke will be the race's first Expedition Musher in the 2026 Iditarod. He will be able to participate in the race along with the entire field and will be allowed outside assistance. 

"His participation will align with Iditarod safety and media protocols, and while exempt from certain race official race rules, he has committed to following 'best mushing practices' to ensure exemplary dog care and that the integrity and flow of the race are maintained," reads a press release from the Iditarod staff.

Røkke will be participating together with a former winner of the Iditarod, Thomas Wærner. 

Animal rights concerns

The Iditarod's financial struggles are largely due to pressure from animal rights organizations in recent years.

The race takes place in sub-zero temperatures and oftentimes extreme weather. The record for fastest time is 8 days, 3 hours, and 40 minutes, meaning the dogs ran over 1,500 kilometers in just a little over a week.

While the Iditarod Committee itself has not provided an official number of dogs killed during the race, some animal rights groups state that more than 100 dogs have died over the 52-year history of the Iditarod. This year, three sled dogs died after a five-year streak without any deaths, and five more dogs died in training after being struck by snowmobiles.

Many sponsors ended their support for the race in recent years after pressure from animal rights organisations, such as Nutanix, Alaska Airlines, ExxonMobil and Coca Cola, as well as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Wells Fargo. 

The race was also denied a $1.4 million funding request by a state legislative committee. Other factors include the increased cost of dog food and COVID-19 impacts on off-season tourism activities for the mushers.