2026 T-DOG FAQ
T-Dog 120 Human Powered FAQs
Q: When and where does the race start?
A: The race starts in Manley at 0815 am on Saturday, March 21. The actual starting line is at the Twin Lakes parking area which is approximately 1 mile from the Manley Roadhouse. Transportation will be available to the start from the Roadhouse for those that need it.
Q: What are my options for getting to Manley?
A: Parking can be a challenge in Manley so please consider a community option below:
The T-Dog will provide a shuttle for interested bikers and skiers, departing Fairbanks at noon on Friday, March 20. There will be trailer space for all gear and equipment
We will also be facilitating ride-shares and can help get you connected with a musher or another human powered participant.
PLEASE reach out if you already know you will be using one of these options. Email info@tdogalaska.org and put “Need A Ride” in the subject line.
Getting a ride from a friend is an option, but please note the T-Dog can NOT help you get your car back to town.
Q: Is there a place to stay in Manley the night before the race?
A: There will be several housing options:
Manley Roadhouse: Limited rooms are available at the Manley Roadhouse for $150/night for locals, $249/night for nonresidents. To make reservations please email Angie (sminor2006@gmail.com) or call her at the Trading Post (907) 660-7825.
Manley Hot Springs Resort: A limited number of cabins are available at the Resort. Please reach out to jesse@manleyhotspringsresort.com to reserve a cabin.
Bring an Arctic Oven. There will be a camping area for tents at the start parking lot. There will be a port-a-potti but you will need to bring anything else you may need, such as water, firewood, etc.
We are also currently working on a shared sleeping space in one of the community buildings in Manley and will update as soon as possible. Please stay tuned for updates.
Q: Is there a pre-race meeting?
A: Yes. Participants are required to attend the pre-race meeting in Manley. The meeting for human powered participants is at the Roadhouse at 7 pm on Friday evening.
Q: Is there a time cut-off?
A: Human-powered racers must leave the Nenana checkpoint within 30 hours of the start. For 2026 30 hours is at 1415 (2:15 pm) on Sunday March 22. The finish will be open until the last participant from all the races arrives. Red Lantern baby!
Q: Will there be any food and water available during the race?
A: There will be 3 aid stations along the race route.
Mile 30: The Tolovana Roadhouse will be welcoming visitors. Hot food and water, as well as an indoor space to warm up/dry gear will be available.
Mile 70 : Nenana Check Point located at the Nenana Community Hall. Hot food and water, as well as an indoor space to warm up/dry gear will be available. Please be aware that this is also a, potentially busy, checkpoint for mushers and dog teams as well as spectators. You will be able to access your drop bag if you prepared one for yourself and/or meet someone who you have coordinated with.
Mile 95 : Tanana River Aid Station located approximately 25 miles upstream from Nenana and approximately 25 miles from the finish line at Trail Breaker Kennel. Water and snacks will be available as well as emergency services, but no indoor space for participants.
Q: Will there be a place along the route to sleep inside?
A: Yes
There will be beds available at the Tolovana Roadhouse.
In Nenana participants should be able to find floor space in a quiet corner in which to sleep. Please put in your drop bag any equipment you will need to sleep.
Q: Is there a safe place to leave my bike/skis if I do sleep?
A: Yes.
The Tolovana Roadhouse will have a monitored ski/bike parking area.
In Nenana there will be a locking trailer for participants to securely store bikes/skis.
Q: Can I leave myself a drop bag for Nenana?
A: Yes. Participants can prepare a drop bag for themselves that will be delivered to Nenana in time for their arrival. Drop bags must be delivered to Trail Breaker Kennel by noon on Friday March 20. Please note, bags will be exposed to below freezing temperatures during storage and transportation. Any items left in the bag in Nenana will be returned to the finish.
Q: Can I leave gear I don’t need at the start?
A: Yes. Racers will be able to leave any overnight gear they don’t need on Saturday morning at the pre-race breakfast. This gear will be brought to the finish.
Q: Can I accept food and water and/or help along the route?
A: The T-Dog adheres to a very simple policy: anyone can do it, if everyone can do it. Any aid of any form must be equally available to all participants. For example: you may receive aid from any one you like at the Nenana Checkpoint; you may not receive aid of any form from a friend who meets you along the trail.
Q: Is there any required gear?
A: No.