Iditarod names Mary Shields as 2026 Honorary Musher

The Iditarod announced their choice for the 2026 Honorary Musher Thursday through social media. From the second race on, an honorary musher has been selected and given Bib #1. Often times the person named is a famous musher throughout history. Names like Leonhard Seppala, or in the case of the 2021 Iditarod the entire Serum Run team of mushers, have been given the honor. Many are awarded posthumously, such as this year's honorary musher.

Mary Shields was the first woman to finish the Iditarod. One of two women who ran in the second Iditarod in 1974, Mary's team was the first mushed by a woman to make it to Nome. A huge feat that proved that it wasn't impossible and that mushing was for everyone regardless of gender.

Shields' finished broke trail for women like Libby Riddles and Susan Butcher to win the race just 10 years later. "For Shields," the Iditarod wrote in the press release, "mushing was never about racing. After finishing in Nome, Shields turned around and mushed 435 miles back toward Galena before flying to Fairbanks."

Sheilds ran a sled dog tour business from her kennel near Fairbanks, and even after her days of mushing were done would invite guests to her home to share tales of her mushing adventures. When Mary would come to a mushing event or gathering she was always surrounded by fellow mushers and fans eager to meet and talk with her.

"The Iditarod is proud to honor [Shields]," the race wrote, "and as the 2026 Iditarod Honorary Musher, her legacy will once again ride the trail to Nome, reminding all who compete and cheer that perseverance, partnership, and passion define The Last Great Race®."

Mary Shields died in July of 2025 at the age of 80.