GCI continues longstanding support of Kobuk 440 Sled Dog Race as Lead Dog sponsor
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – GCI is proud to continue its long-standing support of the Kobuk 440 Sled Dog Race, celebrating and supporting rural Alaska. In 2026, GCI contributed $5,000 to the race and will serve as a Lead Dog sponsor, supporting one of Alaska’s premier dog mushing events, which begins April 2nd. The race starts in Kotzebue then goes on a 440-mile loop before returning to Kotzebue for the finish.
Since 2011, GCI has contributed more than $70,000 to the Kobuk 440. The race plays a critical role in preserving and strengthening the Inupiaq tradition of long-distance dog mushing in Northwest Alaska.
“The Kobuk 440 represents resilience, tradition and community,” said Tiffany Vassar, Senior Program Manager of Contributions and Events. “We’re honored to support an event that not only celebrates a deep cultural legacy, but also provides meaningful benefits to mushers, youth, and communities across the region.”
Hosted by the Kobuk 440 Racing Association, the organization’s goal is to continue Northwest Alaskan dog mushing traditions through racing, community support and animal care. All events and activities are led by volunteers, with 100 percent of sponsorship funding used to support race-related expenses and associated programs.
“Support from sponsors like GCI is vital to the success of the Kobuk 440,” said Paul Hansen, member of the Kobuk 440 Board of Directors. “Their long-standing commitment helps us strengthen our race, support our mushers and keep this important tradition thriving in communities across Northwest Alaska.”
In addition to racing events, the Kobuk 440 Racing Association supports the regional dog mushing community through a musher’s support program, providing dog food and straw at reduced, road-system-equivalent prices using in-kind freight services from statewide air carriers. The organization also partners with the Alaska Rural Veterinary Outreach program to deliver mobile veterinary services to Northwest Alaska communities, helping improve dog health and care throughout the region.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested $4.7 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45 years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is an independent publicly traded company (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK, GLIBB) Learn more at https://www.gciliberty.com/.