ANCHORAGE, Alaska: The world’s most famous sled-dog race, celebrated by Alaskans for half a century but long condemned by animal-rights activists as inhumane, is losing one of its biggest corporate sponsors.
Energy giant Exxon Mobil Corp said on Friday it plans to sever ties with the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race after this year’s 49th edition of the contest, citing economic concerns.
“After careful review of sponsorships in light of current economic conditions, we’ve decided to conclude our sponsorship of the Iditarod following the 2021 race,” Ashley Alemayehu, an Exxon Mobil spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement.
Exxon’s sponsorship focused on the race’s education program, which provides study material to schools nationwide.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a longtime Iditarod foe, claimed a victory with the decision.
“No reputable company wants to associate with a race that forces dogs to run until they collapse,” PETA Executive Vice…