Thirty-four teams are looking at taking on a race notorious for its deep cold. Races have been run in temperatures of -40 and lower. It's the perfect reminder that not only are sled dogs bred differently to many dog breeds when it comes to what they can accomplish (and what they think is fun weather to play in), but so too are the mushers. Are mushers human or alien? It's hard to say, but insanity is a word that often comes to mind when one sees the historic temps of the race and then gaze at a nearly full roster.
In other words: y'all are nuts.
All jokes aside, this is shaping up to be another exciting Copper Basin that has several teams poised to contend for the win. As always the roster will be updated with bib numbers and organized by starting order once bibs are drawn and published on Friday.
Edited at 8:15pm on January 9, 2026 to note that several teams dropped/swapped mushers and the official starting list with bib numbers is now updated with a final tally of thirty-three teams starting Saturday.
*Roster as of January 9 @ 8:10pm AKST.
Who are you surprised to see on the roster? Who are you cheering for? Comment with your thoughts on the roster below! (And if you see a mistake or a musher's kennel has changed please let me know.)
And, as always, you can Buy me a slice of pizza to help keep the blog up and running. It's always appreciated but never expected.
Too many to list that I would like to see have a great run! One comment I would make is how well female mushers are represented. Lots of good ones and new names from excellent kennels. Paige ended last year on a high note, maybe this is the season we have many on the podiums?
ReplyDeleteCan’t forget Cody, Justin, Deke, Jessie and the always entertaining Lauro!
This is a deep field.
Agreed on all points! It's gonna be a fun one! (And doesn't look to terribly cold in the forecast!)
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