The Taaqpak 120

Taaqpak 120 Rough Schedule

Race start in Kotzebue Saturday 12pm
Mushers on trail to Noatak 12-6pm
Rest in Noatak 6pm-12am
​Mushers on trail to Kotzebue 12am-6am. ​
The Taaqpak 120 is a 120-mile sled dog race from Kotzebue to Noatak and back. This annual race, which features mostly local mushers, is named in honor of dog musher Elmer Taaqpak Howarth, Sr. and acknowledges the volunteer work of the Howarth family. The Howarths have partnered with the Kobuk 440 Racing Association to host the Taaqpak 120 race, and to receive mushers at the turnaround checkpoint in Noatak for many years. Members of the Howarth family have volunteered on the trail crew, served as timekeepers, run the hospitality room, and encouraged other community members to join in helping operate the race.​
Schedule and race route subject to change depending on weather, trail conditions, entrants, etc. Race rules and entry form can be downloaded below.

You can stay up to date with race information, schedule changes, and current programming on our Facebook page. Questions? Email us: kobuk440@gmail.com
taakpuk_race_rules_2022.docx
File Size: 19 kb
File Type: docx
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t120_entry_form__1_.docx
File Size: 13 kb
File Type: docx
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Read about past Taaqpak 120 Races:

Northwest Alaska mushers enjoy clear skies and auroras during Taaqpak 120 Alena Naiden, 2022
Northwest Alaska mushers and residents hope for clear skies [...] at Taaqpak 120 Alena Naiden, 2022
Taaqpak 120 race to start Saturday, honoring Elder Staff Report, 2021
Lifelong musher Woods credits team, community Mollie Murray, 2020
Dempsey Woods wins 2020 Taaqpak 120 Shady Grove Oliver, 2020
Jerry McCall wins Taaqpak 120 sled dog race Shady Grove Oliver, 2019
Kobuk 440 lineup sports vets, rookies and locals Shady Grove Oliver, 2019
Race Preparations underway for Taaqpak 120 Shady Grove Oliver, 2019