Iditarod Trail Committee Board Of Directors And Dallas Seavey Move Forward

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Iditarod Trail Committee Board of Directors recently convened to resolve the situation that resulted from a positive drug test after the 2017 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. After several meetings with Dallas Seavey, and review of all relevant information and evidence, the board does not believe that Dallas had any involvement with, or knowledge of, the events that led to the positive test in his team. The ITC concludes that it is not credible that Dallas was involved, and he is found to have committed no wrong doing.  Whatever happened was completely beyond his control. 

Said ITC Board President Mike Mills, "We regret the delays in resolving this matter and want to make clear that we do not place blame on Dallas regarding the circumstances surrounding the positive drug test of his four dogs in 2017.  On behalf of the ITC, I apologize to Dallas for any negative publicity and damages this situation has caused him."

The ITC recognizes Dallas as a top competitor and valued ambassador for the sport and looks forward to seeing him participate in future Iditarods.

Said Dallas, "I greatly appreciate the Iditarod resolving this issue thoroughly and definitively as well as their acknowledgement of the difficulties this has caused both myself and the greater mushing community. The Iditarod board has handled the process that led to the resolution with integrity.  The Iditarod has taken extraordinary measures in recent months to improve itself as an organization and I am thrilled to see the Iditarod on what I believe to be a very positive trajectory."

Dallas continued, "I would like to thank the current board members for donating their considerable talents to the Iditarod and look forward to seeing the Iditarod prosper under their leadership.  Since my grandfather's participation in the inaugural Iditarod, the Seavey family has cumulatively competed in 47 Iditarod races.  I look forward to many more years of involvement in the Last Great Race!"

Since the incident, several additional safety precautions have been implemented along the trail. All food drop bags are sealed with tamper proof zip ties, 24/7 surveillance coverage at the Nome dog lot was added in 2018 as well as at 3 other checkpoints along the route. The increased security protocols continue to remain a priority for the ITC.

We would like to thank all Alaskans, the Race Sponsors, and our Iditarod fans worldwide for their dedication and passion for this race.

Iditarod XLVII will have its ceremonial start from downtown Anchorage on Saturday, March 2, 2019, with the official restart scheduled for the following day in Willow.

Media contact:
Jennifer Thompson
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 907-561-4488

For comment from Dallas Seavey:
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Iditarod Trail Committee