Anchorage Hosts Open World Sled Dog Championship

Annual Fur Rondy festival kicks off with first day of races in downtown Anchorage.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The annual Fur Rondy festival in Anchorage, Alaska has begun, with the opening day of the Open World Championship Sled Dog Races taking place in downtown Anchorage. The sled dog races are a long-standing tradition of the Fur Rondy festival, which celebrates the city's winter culture and heritage.

Why it matters

The sled dog races are a major draw for the Fur Rondy festival, which is one of Anchorage's largest annual events. The races showcase the state's rich history of dog mushing and attract competitors from around the world to compete in this prestigious event.

The details

The Open World Championship Sled Dog Races feature multiple categories of competition, including sprint races, mid-distance races, and long-distance races. Mushers and their teams of sled dogs compete on a course that winds through the streets of downtown Anchorage, providing spectators with an up-close view of the action.

  • The Fur Rondy festival runs from February 27 to March 8, 2026.
  • The Open World Championship Sled Dog Races kicked off on February 27, 2026.

The players

Fur Rondy

An annual winter festival in Anchorage, Alaska that celebrates the city's winter culture and heritage.

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The takeaway

The Open World Championship Sled Dog Races are a beloved tradition that showcase Alaska's rich mushing heritage and draw competitors and spectators from around the world to Anchorage's Fur Rondy festival.