The roster has two returning Iditarod champions, 2023 Iditarod Champion Ryan Redington, and three-time champion Mitch Seavey. Seavey was a last minute addition to the roster shocking many fans on social media when his name was spotted. Mitch last ran in 2022 where he placed 16th. Redington placed 14th in this past Iditarod after having that magic run the year before becoming the first of Joe Redington's family to win "his race".
Eleven of the thirty-five mushers are women. Seventeen mushers are considered rookies (though several are second year rookies determined to make it all the way this time).
The Iditarod is in an interesting period of race and culture history. As another generation retires out of long distance mushing, a whole new generation of "younger" competitive mushers are filling those roles that at one time were held by only a beloved few. While Iditarod rosters were larger, the pool was small for those truly competitive teams. Now, fifty plus years into the race it feels like we're coming back to those early years of the race where it was anyone's ball game. Experience means a great deal, knowledge too, but the teams are so well matched it has many scratching their heads trying to come up with who are the outright favorites.
There is some excitement to that.
The deadline for applications have passed, but that does not mean names cannot be added - it just comes at a price. Veteran mushers may continue to sign up through the new year but must pay a double entry fee. The rookie musher meeting is later this month. The ceremonial start is in 88 days. In 88 days 35 teams will celebrate one of Alaska's greatest traditions. In 89 days, the race is on.
Mushers listed in order of sign up.
Riley Dyche
Jenny Roddewig
Jason Mackey
Gabe Dunham
Mille Porsild
Matt Randall
Keaton Loebrich
Mike Parker
Dane Baker
Nicolas Petit
Matt Hall
Travis Beals
Sydnie Bahl
Anna Berington
Samantha LaLonde
Jessie Holmes
Michelle Phillips
Ryan Redington
Daniel Klein
Ebbe Pedersen
Brenda Mackey
Lauro Eklund
Charmayne Morrison
Ashley Dove
Justin Olnes
Emily Ford
Jeff Deeter
Hunter Keefe
Connor McMahon
Calvin Daugherty
Bryce Mumford
Mitch Seavey
Bailey Vitello
Matthew Failor
Quince Mountain
If you like what you see and want to support my addiction (I mean HOBBY) of following these races and stalking (I mean cheering on) the mushers, you can buy me a slice of pizza (that really goes to paying for my internet/web expenses).
