Oil Patch Bits: Iditarod announces Donlin as sponsor of 2011 race

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race said Nov. 16 that Donlin Creek LLC is a Principal Partner sponsor of the 2011 Last Great Race, contributing $285,000 to the historic event. Donlin and Iditarod representatives were present at the Resource Development Council’s conference to officially announce their joint efforts in support of this cherished Alaska tradition. A sponsorship ceremony was held Nov. 17 in the Donlin Creek booth in the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center.

“Donlin Creek is proud and honored to now be part of the Iditarod family with this contribution to the historic race,” said Doug Nicholson, general manager of Donlin Creek LLC.

Both mining and mushing have been historically tied throughout Alaska’s heritage. On the first Saturday of March every year, teams from all walks of life begin the 1,049 mile trek to Nome on the Iditarod Trail and will pass through some of Alaska’s most scenic panoramas along the Kuskokwim River.