With profound sadness, IHTA received the news of Dan Seavey's passing May 8, 2025
The Board of IHTA shares the loss of Dan with the entire Iditarod National Historic Trail community. We include here the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® tribute:
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dan Seavey, a true pioneer and cherished figure in the history of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®. Dan's legacy is woven into the very fabric of this iconic race, from its inception to its enduring spirit.
In 1973, Dan played a pivotal role in organizing and running the first Iditarod, and he competed in the inaugural race.
His dedication to the sport and its history led him to serve on the ITC Board of Directors and on the Board of the Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Iditarod Trail as a National Historic Trail in 1978 and was a founding member of the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the historic trail from Seward to the Interior.
Beyond his contributions to the Iditarod, Dan was a passionate educator. He taught history at Seward High School for 20 years and established the first outdoor education program on the Kenai Peninsula.
Dan's love for the Iditarod was shared by his family. His son Mitch and grandson Dallas both became Iditarod champions, continuing the Seavey family's legacy in the race. Dan's involvement in the Iditarod spanned over 50 years of tireless work as a pioneer and preservationist.
Dan Seavey was more than a musher; he was a historian, educator, and advocate for the preservation of Alaska's rich heritage. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the Iditarod and the community he loved. As we remember Dan, we honor his unwavering commitment to the Iditarod and his enduring legacy in Alaska's history. Our hearts go out to the entire Seavey family, friends, fans, fellow mushers and all of Iditarod Nation.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dan Seavey, a true pioneer and cherished figure in the history of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®. Dan's legacy is woven into the very fabric of this iconic race, from its inception to its enduring spirit.
In 1973, Dan played a pivotal role in organizing and running the first Iditarod, and he competed in the inaugural race.
His dedication to the sport and its history led him to serve on the ITC Board of Directors and on the Board of the Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Iditarod Trail as a National Historic Trail in 1978 and was a founding member of the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the historic trail from Seward to the Interior.
Beyond his contributions to the Iditarod, Dan was a passionate educator. He taught history at Seward High School for 20 years and established the first outdoor education program on the Kenai Peninsula.
Dan's love for the Iditarod was shared by his family. His son Mitch and grandson Dallas both became Iditarod champions, continuing the Seavey family's legacy in the race. Dan's involvement in the Iditarod spanned over 50 years of tireless work as a pioneer and preservationist.
Dan Seavey was more than a musher; he was a historian, educator, and advocate for the preservation of Alaska's rich heritage. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the Iditarod and the community he loved. As we remember Dan, we honor his unwavering commitment to the Iditarod and his enduring legacy in Alaska's history. Our hearts go out to the entire Seavey family, friends, fans, fellow mushers and all of Iditarod Nation.
The Trail For All Seasons
The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance promotes public awareness and protection of the Iditarod National Historic Trail and its gold-rush and Alaska Native heritage. How do we do this? By encouraging education programs and historical research to tell the story of the Trail. By assisting in the protection, improvement, maintenance and marking of the trail. And, by developing partnerships that foster stewardship commitments and support from land owners, local communities, organizations and others.
