Sign-ups for the Iron Dog snowmobile race begin 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Alaska Mountain Rugby Grounds in Anchorage.
The early-afternoon event at 19001 Finland Steet on the Anchorage Hillside will include information about next year's race and a meet-and-greet with racers and volunteers.
The pro class entry fee is $3,500, the same as last year, with a discount for early registration. Oct. 31 is the last day to sign up.
The race begins Feb. 18 in downtown Anchorage.
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Earlier this year, 41 two-racer teams started the 2,000-mile pro race from Big Lake to Nome to Fairbanks. Twenty-three finished, led by first-time champions Tyson Johnson, 36, and Tyler Aklestad, 31, driving Ski-Doos — the brand driven by three of the top four teams. On Wednesday, Johnson and Aklestad said they will defend their title and plan to be at Saturday's sign-up to meet race fans.
The Iron Dog's record field of 42 teams was set in 2009. Back in the 1990s, fewer than 20 teams began some races.
Iron Dog Executive Director Kevin Kastner said that since he took the job in 2010, the race has gone from roughly 25 entries to "a very consistent 35-40 racers."