The Iditarod Trail Committee has revealed that seasoned Musher Ramey Smyth will construct the new Burled Arch for the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This decision follows the unexpected collapse of the previous arch, a beloved symbol at the race’s finish line in Nome, on April 28th.
Musher Ramey Smyth boasts a rich history with the Iditarod, having participated in the race 27 times since 1994. Additionally, Smyth is the proprietor of Smyth Logwork and Construction, a Willow-based company specializing in log home construction.
According to their website, the Smyth family has been crafting log homes since the late 1950s. Iditarod Race Director Mark Nordman expressed confidence that Smyth’s background makes him an ideal candidate for constructing the new arch.
Smyth’s replacement will mark the third rendition of the burled wood arch. The inaugural arch, crafted by Red Olson in 1974, stood as a symbol of the Iditarod for a quarter of a century before being preserved at the Nome Recreation Center.
Subsequently, Bob Kuiper was tasked with swiftly producing the second iteration in 1999, following the original arch’s fragmentation during relocation by a forklift. This second version remained in service from 2000 until 2024.
In honoring tradition, Smyth aims to utilize a specific type of spruce for the upcoming arch. In an interview with Mushing Magazine, he revealed that the replacement is expected to weigh approximately 1,000 pounds.
However, selecting and constructing the arch may span several months. Smyth acknowledged the challenges posed by spruce beetles in sourcing the wood and encouraged property owners to contact him if they know of any healthy trees on their land.
Smyth’s roots in sled dog racing run deep. His father, Bud Smyth, participated in the inaugural Iditarod race in 1973, while his mother, Lolly Medley, competed in the following year’s event.
Reflecting on a lifetime intertwined with the Iditarod, Smyth deeply understood the arch’s significance, which holds immense sentimental value for many.
“I felt deeply honored when approached about the reconstruction of the Historic Iditarod Arch, a symbol of collaboration among supporters, mushers, dogs, villages, and all members of the Alaskan community,” Smyth shared with Mushing Magazine. “The arch embodies the essence of teamwork, aspirations, sacrifices, and the trials encountered along a path marked by challenges, storms, perseverance, and resilience.”
