Alaska Airlines drops Iditrod sponsorship

Decision ends 40-year partnership with iconic sled race

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KYMA, KECY) - Alaska Airlines says, after 40-years, it will no longer sponsor the Iditarod.

The airline released a statement Tuesday saying the sponsorship no longer fits into its corporate giving strategy.

"We have been part of the Iditarod for more than 40 years and are proud of our sponsorship, which was focused on dog health and safety. As we transition to our new corporate giving strategy, LIFT, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for young people in the communities where we fly, this is a good time to evaluate our sponsorships and make adjustments. As such, we are going to sponsor the 2020 race, giving the Iditarod Trail Committee time to secure new sponsors. We wish the best to the new Iditarod leadership team and the safe running of future races for both dogs and mushers."

Statement from Alaska Airlines on termination of its Iditarod sponsorship

The airline will sponsor the 2020 race in order to give the Iditarod Trail Committee time to secure new sponsors.

The sponsorship included air transportation and dog care supplies for 45 Iditarod veterinarians who come to Alaska every year to care for sled dogs' health and safety.

The Iditarod Trail Committee released a statement thanking Alaska Airlines for decades of support.

"For the past 40 years, we have had the pleasure of having Alaska Airlines as a valued partner of the Iditarod. As a longtime partner, Alaska Airlines has been not only integral in the function of our race and how we transport race personnel and supplies from point A to point B, but being a part of making the race into what it is today. The Iditarod, and its partners, are committed to Alaska and the strong bond and advocacy for the Alaska sled dog. While Alaska Airlines is moving into its new corporate giving strategy that was launched in 2019, they have continued to provide support for the 2020 race as we work to secure new sponsorship. We appreciate Alaska Airlines and thank them for 40 years of support."

Statement from Iditarod Trail Committee

The Iditarod is an annual long-distance sled dog race from Anchorage to Home. It is the most important and most popular sporting event in Alaska. Portions of the trail were used hundreds of years before fur traders arrived in the area in the 1800's. The trail became more heavily trafficked during the Alaskan gold rush in the late 1800's and early 1900's.