The world's longest snowmobile race officially kicks off next week in Big Lake, as the Iron Dog roars to a start. Pro Class racers hit the trail starting on Saturday, Feb. 15, followed by the Expedition Class.

Pro Class racers will line up at the starting chute and depart in 2-minute intervals, with the first team going out at 10 a.m. from Big Lake on Saturday morning, on the ice in front of Susitna Brewing Company (formerly South Port Marina) . It begins the 2,500-mile race that takes racers through rugged Interior Alaska, across the Alaska Range along the Iditarod Trail, all the way to Nome. Once in Nome, racers complete a mandatory 24-hour layover before speeding all the way back to finish on Big Lake on Sunday, Feb. 22.

The Iron Dog is the world's longest snowmobile race, and tests not only the riders, but the machines. It covers more than 2,500 miles of the roughest terrain in the world, at fast speeds. The harsh arctic winter conditions also play a major role in the race as well.

For a complete schedule of events for the finish line and other Iron Dog-related events, visit their web site.