Grayson Bruton scratches from Iditarod 54

Grayson Bruton at the start of Iditarod 54.
March 7, 2026. Anchorage, Alaska.

Iditarod released a statement Tuesday night that Iditarod Veteran Grayson Bruton's race has ended in the checkpoint of Unalakleet. Bruton had ten dogs on his team when the decision was made.

"Veteran Iditarod musher Grayson Bruton (bib #37) of Tok, Alaska," wrote Iditarod, "scratched at the Unalakleet checkpoint at 6:16 p.m. today, in the best interest of his team.  Bruton had 10 dogs in harness when he arrived at the checkpoint. The Iditarod Trail Committee commends Bruton for his determination, dedication, and exemplary sportsmanship throughout this year’s race, and looks forward to welcoming him back to the Trail in the future."

Grayson ran the race out of the gate in the back of the pack, running mostly with Jody Potts-Bailey through the middle of the race. There is no information coming from Bruton's kennel to give more detail on the reason behind the scratch, but it is always a very difficult decision for any musher - even when the answer is clear.

Bruton's scratch is the third one on the day, and fourth in the entire race. The Red Lantern position now belongs to Iditarod Rookie Adam Lindemuth who is currently on his way to Shaktoolik.