Team RWB Member Stacy Fisk Wins Iditarod Trail Invitational 350 Women’s Foot Division

Eagle Stacy Fisk and her trailmate Melanie at the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) 350 on 5 MAR 25.

Shortly after midnight on 5 MAR 25, Stacy Fisk of Team RWB’s Fairbanks Chapter crossed the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) 350, completing one of the world’s most grueling endurance events. Alongside her trailmate Melanie, Stacy was crowned Co-Champion of the Women’s Foot Division, finishing the 350-mile race in McGrath, Alaska, on the banks of the Kuskokwim River.

Their journey began nine days and 11.5 hours earlier in Big Lake, Alaska, about 20 miles north of Anchorage as the crow flies—or 55 miles by road.

The ITI 350 welcomes cyclists, skiers, and trekkers on foot. The course generally follows the historic route of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. However, due to unseasonably low snowfall this year, the sled dog race took an alternate route. ITI participants, however, had no such option and faced the trail in its raw form.

Marked only by seven mandatory checkpoints—including the finish—competitors must be self-reliant, carrying nearly everything they need to survive the journey. Stacy’s sled weighed approximately 50 pounds and included all essential gear, aside from two 5-pound drop bags allowed at designated points along the course.

Though the weather brought relatively warm temperatures and minimal precipitation, the lack of snow presented serious obstacles—especially for skiers and trekkers. While cyclists benefited from firmer trail conditions, skiers were often forced to walk with their skis strapped to their packs. Trekkers like Stacy dragged their gear-laden sleds across exposed ground, battling rocks, tussocks, and gravel.

Nearly one-third of the route offered little to no snow. Stacy endured long stretches of rugged terrain that slowed progress and drained energy. Traversing frozen rivers posed another challenge: while her sled glided more easily on bare ice, the lack of snow cushion led to painful pressure points on her feet from her spiked boots.

Despite the hardships, Stacy was prepared for the unexpected. At one point, she broke through the ice and stood in freezing water up to her knees—but remained calm and equipped to handle the situation. Wildlife encounters were minimal, though she and Melanie were shadowed briefly by a wolf, which ultimately kept its distance.

Through grit, determination, and teamwork, Stacy completed the 350-mile journey as one of this year’s champions.

Congratulations, Stacy! Your Eagle Fire burned bright on the trail. We can’t wait to see what you tackle next.