ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A brutal, unforgiving race, the Iron Dog is considered by many one of the toughest snowmachine races in the world. In its 40th edition, 23 Pro Class teams race from Big Lake to Nome and back, including the Kotzebue Loop. The race began Saturday morning in Big Lake. The game plan for the more than 2,500-mile race is consistent for most teams.