The iconic burled arch finish line for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome, Alaska has collapsed due to wood rot, according to Nome Mayor John Handeland. The arch, which is traditionally moved onto Front Street in Nome every March for the race’s finish, had been located in a city park when it collapsed. Mushers start the race in Willow and complete the 1,000-mile race by passing under the arch in Nome. Efforts to reach officials for information about replacing the arch have not been successful.
This year’s Iditarod race was marked by the deaths of three sled dogs and serious injuries to another, leading animal rights group PETA to renew its call for an end to the race. Upon learning of the collapse of the arch, PETA took to social media to comment on the state of the race. The original arch was built by musher Red “Fox” Olson in 1974, weighing 5,000 pounds and taking 500 hours to complete. Although that arch was damaged in 1999, it has been restored and is now displayed on the wall of the recreation center in Nome.
A new arch was completed in time for the 2000 race, but frequent repairs have been necessary due to the harsh environmental conditions in Nome, including cold, salty winds blowing off the Bering Sea. The arch has since become a popular spot for tourists to take selfies, whether it is located on Front Street or in another park after the race. The collapse of the arch has saddened many in the community, as it symbolized the end of the grueling and historic race for mushers and their dog teams.
Nome Mayor John Handeland salvaged pieces of the collapsed arch for safekeeping after its collapse, indicating the significance of the structure to the community. Efforts to ensure the arch is replaced in time for next year’s race are underway, but details about the process have not been provided by officials. The collapse of the arch serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Iditarod race, both in terms of its environmental impact and the ongoing debate about the welfare of the sled dogs that participate. The future of the race remains uncertain, as critics and supporters continue to weigh in on its cultural and ethical implications.
