Sunday, October 3, 2021

Mid-Distance races open up registration this weekend

With snow falling consistently for the last two weeks in Alaska, fans can officially say it's mushing season. Teams began early fall training late in August and have continued to share their impressive early season miles as the weather remains cool to crisp. While races like the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod open registration in mid to late summer, the mid distance races wait to organize as thoughts turn to long hours on the back of a dog sled. 

This weekend two of the big names in mid-distance races opened registration. The Copper Basin 300 in Alaska and the John Beargrease of Minnesota opened registration Saturday with much fanfare. With Covid numbers rising in Alaska and elsewhere, it was curious if there would be much enthusiasm by the mushing community to look ahead to January and sign up - but sign up they did.

While the Copper Basin is missing some familiar names to the opening name roster - most noticeable is reigning champion Nicolas Petit is not listed (however the musher did comment with plans to sign up, but was having credit card issues) - the Beargrease is welcoming a rookie to their race but not to the sport Wade Marrs. Marrs joins a field with several past champions (Redington, the Frekings, and reigning champion Erin Letzring) as well as some fan favorites and is shaping up to be one competitive race. The Beargrease is partnered with the Iditarod and QrillPet Sports as part of the "Grand Prix" of mushing known as QRILL PAWS Arctic World Series which began in 2019 but has since been sidelined due to the global pandemic. 

The Copper Basin 300 race begins in Glen Allen on January 8, 2022. Registration is open for the first 50 teams, after which names will be held on a waiting list until/if a spot opens up. Deadline to register is December 1, with late entries being allowed for an extra $150 registration fee. So far, the Copper Basin has not maxed out on registrations. 


The John Beargrease Marathon's registration is open from now until January 27, however if mushers want to get in at the cheapest rate they need to sign up by December 31. For the marathon race, due to covid mitigation - they will cap the registration at 25 teams (and then a wait list). The marathon has not maxed out its roster, yet. The race begins in Rice Lake Township on January 30, 2022.


Other races have also opened registration or will open in the next couple of weeks. Snow is literally in the air. It feels like sled dog season. Before we know it, we'll be cheering our teams from the comforts of our home (or out on the trail). 

Which races are you excited to watch? Who are you excited to see sign up, and who are you hoping to see add their name to the roster(s)? Comment below!


Like what you see and want to see post like this continue? Support is always greatly appreciated, if you want to buy me a slice of pizza (or more) I won't say no. (To be honest that money goes into paying for internet and other website related costs.)

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Lance Mackey diagnosed with cancer again

Iditarod/Mushing fans on facebook were shocked tonight when the four time Iditarod and Yukon Quest champion Lance Mackey posted that he was looking to rehome his top dogs due to his winter plans changing. Mackey then dropped the bombshell that he has once again been diagnosed with cancer. 

"my winter plans just changed yet again .. I was diagnosed with cancer again and being a single father has made shit abit different from my winter plans," the musher wrote. Mackey became a single father last year after his partner Jenne was killed in an ATV rollover accident (Mackey was the one who found her). This year Lance spent a lot of time on a different sort of race track as the musher is also an accomplished race car driver. 

Mackey also had a concerning crash on a race track earlier this summer that he thankfully walked away from.

The champion musher has seen more than his fair share of tragedy. After having a tumultuous childhood, Lance fell on hard times before being diagnosed with throat cancer just as he returned to mushing. Mackey credited his dogs as one of the big reasons he survived the grim diagnosis. Lance would go on to dominate the sport's two long-distance races in the late '00s and early '10s. Mackey's rivalry with the self proclaimed "winningest musher" Jeff King thrilled race fans for several years.

Things seemed to take a major detour as Mackey's personal life unraveled during his divorce, but things began to look bright again as his relationship with Jenne blossomed. They welcomed two children into their family, and Lance's racing took a turn for the better. However, Lance's health was a major setback that had him questioning his ability to continue to race in the sport he loved. Then he lost his mother. He then tested positive for an illegal drug during the 2020 Iditarod and his top 20 finish was stripped from him. The musher entered a rehab program and had just returned home when the ATV accident took Jenne. 

The musher would post about an hour after his initial post that this would not be the end of his mushing career, he just needs what is best for his dogs this year and also just cannot focus on racing this winter. 

There is no doubt that Mackey's determination and just sheer grit will get him far. Hopefully the right team can be found for his top dogs, and that he can focus on kicking cancer's behind again. 


This is a developing story and one that will no doubt be followed closely by many.

Friday, July 16, 2021

Nome, Sweet Nome for Iditarod

Now that you've made it to Nome, what is there to do? Depending on when you come into the final stop on the Iditarod, you may have a bit of a wait until the champion or your favorite musher cross under the burled arch. But, don't worry about being bored! The City of Nome looks forward to the Iditarod week every year. There are many city hosted events taking place as everyone waits for the siren to go off and teams to come up Front Street.

In my last Idita-Getaway post, I pointed out the different restaurant options. Each one holds a special bit of Nome in them, and if you are at all into Food Network shows like Diners, Drive Ins, or Dives or if you were a fan of Anthony Bourdain it might be fun to take a look at all of them (and if you are there long enough it's easy to do). 

Your first stop should be your hotel's front desk. Most will have the calendar of events for Iditarod week. If by chance they don't, you can take a walk to the Nome Visitor Center (which you should do anyway). The calendar will give you the times and places each event/attraction take place. It typically has a map of the city on the back, and a description of each event. These maps are free, and make a great souvenir (speaking from experience). You can also download the Event Calendar ahead of time by visiting the Nome Visitor Center's website.


While at the Visitor Center you can chat with the very friendly volunteers and staff and ask their advice on what to do and see. They will give you updates on the race as they are able, they can explain the weather and the history of their City. They often have other free or cheap souvenirs (I'm a fan of their I <3 Nome buttons). It's also a great place to stop and warm up as you wait for teams to come in. They're also responsible for the City of Nome webcam, and are the folks you'll want to contact as you make plans for your trip and are in need of lodging (should you not be able to get a hotel, they are the keepers of the list of rooms for rent in local homes). This is also often the site for different tours to pick up/start. 

Behind the Visitor Center is a trail to the sea ice and the Nome National Forest. This one of a kind forest is the self proclaimed northern most forest, and is a unique photo op. Be sure to check with the Visitor Center before exploring just incase the sea ice is considered unstable (in 2019 we couldn't visit as the day after we arrived the ice broke up). What makes the forest its own is that while the trees are natural - they are "planted" on the ice after Christmas by the local families. They're used Christmas trees! The city also puts out different wooden decorations and other photo ops. It's totally kitchy and every visitor to Nome should experience it at least once.


Once you come back up to Front Street it's just a quick walk to the Russian Church and the Nome Craft Bazaar. Do not miss this. Many of the local artists and craftspeople plan their whole year around this bazaar. There are many beautiful Alaskan made crafts, artworks, and clothing. Many of the artists are more than happy to talk to you about their craft, their lifestyle, and their culture. There is also an art show where you can see many talented pieces and how they are judged.  Be ready with both cash and card as some of the vendors prefer one over the other. There is also typically a raffle at the door. 


Next, take a walk (or grab a cab if you aren't renting a car) and head for the Nome Museum. The Museum is fairly new having been built in 2017/18. It is one of my favorite museums in Alaska. Most of the exhibits are interactive and they share the Indigenous history as well as the goldrush and beyond. You are met at the entrance of the museum with a full on display about how mushing has been a huge focal of the area - with a tribute to both the Iditarod as well as Nome's most well known and celebrated musher Leonhard Seppala and his dog Fritz. You learn about the diphtheria outbreak that made Nome famous (as well as that little dog name Balto). Plan to spend at LEAST an hour there. Often during Iditarod you will find free talks and Iditarod specific exhibits. Jon and Jona Van Zyle (official artists of the Iditarod) were there in 2019 with a special exhibit of Jon's paintings and posters, and they also did talks on Jon's running the Iditarod as well as their adventures in Alaska.


Before or after you visit the bazaar, walk through the snow over to the Welcome to Nome gold pan sign. You can also meet the "Three Lucky Swedes" who supposedly put Nome on the map. This is a popular photo op for Nome visitors, and depending on the snow depth you may be much taller than the statues. There are also some recreations of Indigenous people's tools like a boat and salmon drying rack. Signs at each spot explain what you are looking at and the history of the items. 


Depending on what days you'll be in Nome there are several fun events you can attend as a spectator or even as a contestant. Several bars host trivia contests, pool tournaments, there's wet buns/tshirt contests (if that's your thing, the Alaskan spring break), poker tournaments, concerts, foosball tournaments. This is where that calendar of events really comes in handy. Most events are free to spectate, but some do have a $5 or $10 cover charge. Nome during Iditarod is a very festive atmosphere along Front Street where everyone comes together and you are the best of friends during the week. 

There are several gift shops open during Iditarod, and it's worth going into each one to talk with the store owner and to look at all the souvenir ideas. A lot of local artists fill the shops with their creations, and there are some really fun novelty items as well. The bars are also easy to slip in and out of even if you aren't a drinker (I'm not). A lot of history within those walls and there are several that people tell you to visit just to say you've been there.

If you have time and are dying for some every day entertainment, head to the Subway sandwich shop and go to the back, the Nome Movie Theater typically has two movies playing with your typical movie theater concessions. There will also be the basketball tournament going on during Iditarod and that brings a lot of athletes from all over Western Alaska to Nome. Many Iditarod fans go to catch a game or two. 

There's also a need to stop into the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve building. You can watch some videos on the ice age's "land bridge" that brought humanity to North American all those millennia ago. They offer snowshoe tours out in the preserve, as well as a host of information at their office. You can view fossils, there are some wonderful souvenirs (including pins that you can only get from National Parks), and learn some valuable history of the area. This is more of a hidden gem for many.

And then do not miss walking down to the Iditarod HQ. It is below the Iditarod Finish line and it's where you will mingle with mushers, their families, their handlers. The Iditarod dog lot will be behind the building and security will ask you to look but not take pictures. You can see how well the athletes coming off the trail look (which is AMAZING in comparison to what their mushers look like). Inside HQ are volunteers willing to answer all of your questions, a computer where you can check in with the GPS tracker to see how close the teams are to finishing, food for sale, and the Iditarod merchandise tables. There's also free (but very slow) wifi, and a lot of places to sit and warm up while your phone charges. 

There are things that I'm missing on my list. Nome events are always changing, though the mainstays go strong every year (except for when Pandemics hit). Every part of the week is a part of your Iditarod experience and while I do suggest taking your time and just being spontaneous, I also encourage you to take in as much as possible. By the end of your trip you'll most likely be in serious planning for your next trip to Nome. Just walking through the streets of Nome you can run into some really neat things. Talk with the locals. Talk with other travelers. We're all feeling the excitement (it's the one time I'm not THAT much of an introvert).

But, wait, what about...

Don't worry, I know what you're thinking WHAT ABOUT THE ACTUAL FINISH?! I want to see MY team come under the arch, I want to see the champion! Don't worry, I have that post planned as  my next article!



Like what you see and want to see post like this continue? Support is always greatly appreciated, if you want to buy me a slice of pizza (or more) I won't say no. (To be honest that money goes into paying for internet and other website related costs.)

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Sivo Kennel welcomes newest member

2018 Iditarod Champion Joar Leifseth Ulsom and his wife Margot Fairbanks-Ulsom welcomed the newest member of the Sivo Racing Kennel on Monday when their son Henrik Fairbanks Ulsom entered the world. The happy parents waited until Sunday to announce the arrival of their first child, sharing a quick post with several pictures on the kennel's facebook page.

Congratulations, Ulsom family! Welcome to the world baby Henrik!


Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Mushing News Round Up: Iditarod Picnic Edition

What better way to try and bring back the weekly mushing social media/news dumb posts than by doing a special edition specific to the Iditarod Picnic this weekend? With more and more kennels choosing the jump into social media, fans have a plethora of goodies from their favorite teams. Here are some of the highlights from kennel pages documenting teams at the picnic and signing up for the 50th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. 

From Ryan Redington's kennel:

From rookie Eric Kelly's kennel:


From Riley Dyche's kennel:


From rookie Julie Ahnen (running with Jessie Holmes' dogs):


From Rookie Bridget Watkin's kennel:


From rookie Amanda Otto (running out of Jeff King's Kennel):


From rookie Joe Taylor's kennel:


From Aaron Burmeister:


From the dogs at Rob Cooke's Kennel:


From Mats Pettersson:


From Michelle Phillips' Kennel:


From Meredith Mapes:

Sunday, June 27, 2021

"There WILL be a Nome this year."

The mushing season unofficially opened yesterday as fans, volunteers, and mushers came together in Wasilla for the first day of registration for the 50th running of the Iditarod. After having canceled the event last year due to Covid-19 lockdowns, the Iditarod picnic was a welcome sight coming out of a very long unsocialized year. People greeted each other with excited smiles, hellos, and hugs. As always, it was a true reminder that the mushing community is more like family than like frenemies. 

Several generations of mushers were represented at the afternoon affair, trailbreakers like Dan Seavey and Dick Mackey sat at a table to relive those first races. A new batch of rookies nervously signed up and chatted amongst themselves with that energy that only first timers have. The seasoned veterans - including several past champions - sat back and relaxed while chatting with fans and signing autographs. For mushers who ran their rookie race in 2021, there had been no pomp and ceremony for their sign ups, so mushers like Will Troshynski noted they still felt like rookies as they signed up the traditional way at this year's picnic.

While in most years the picnic sees several hundred attendees, this year's event felt far more intimate. Due to travel restrictions mushers and fans alike were unable to make their way to Alaska. With no cruise ships coming into Alaska, the giant tour groups that typically show up to take in a little Iditarod are much smaller. There was no Teachers Conference - put on every year by the Iditarod Education Program - and they always end their conference with the picnic. Those that did come out enjoyed a warm summer day - while the rest of south central got rain, the spot in Wasilla that is the Iditarod HQ saw sun - and good food and fun.

Veterans of the inaugural Iditarod, Dan Seavey (left) and Dick Mackey
swap stories at the Iditarod Picnic. Wasilla, Alaska. June 26, 2021.
Mushers milled about throughout the afternoon - the Iditarod holds drawings for prizes and two lucky mushers are drawn to have their entry fee waived, but mushers must be present to win - chatting with eager fans as well as amongst themselves already sizing up the competition. Many were overheard asking about what races each kennel planned on participating in, and every so often a musher wandered over to the registration table to see how many were signed up (most to see what their odds were of winning their entry fee back). 

As the event came to an end, Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach took to the mic (that they still haven't replaced, and its wires are so loose it cuts out more and more every year) to announce the door prizes. Rob thanked the dedication of the staff and volunteers especially over the last year with a race finishing at the start of covid, and one run during covid. He praised race officials for keeping the race going during shut downs and in spite of shut downs. He thanked the mushers for their continued enthusiasm and support. He noted the change of trail in the 2021 race and noted how much Nome was missed... and then announced "There WILL be a Nome next year!" to which the crowd erupted into cheers.

Urbach went on to say that fans and mushers needed to "stay tuned" as in the coming weeks more announcements would be made as the Iditarod is working on several projects and initiatives in conjunction with celebrating 50 years of Iditarod. There was no hint as to what they were, but Urbach promised they were very exciting. The Iditarod CEO also noted that they would be unveiling a new Logo - which many were unsure if that meant the 2022 logo or a new race logo. Time will tell.

Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach addresses the crowd of mushers
and fans during the Iditarod Picnic. Wasilla, Alaska. June 26, 2021.

Once the announcements were made, the moment all the mushers had waited for were upon them. Mark Nordman, Iditarod Race Marshall, took the mike to announce. Matt Failor - with sled dog "Black Sabbath" (known as "Sabby") in tow - won the door prize of a dog food dipper and dog dishes. Anja Radano won the case of 1,000 dog booties. Nordman then handed the names over to Rob Urbach saying he didn't want to pick the entry fee winners as he didn't want to be accused of rigging it (said tongue in cheek). Riley Dyche and Deke Naaktegboren were announced as the winners of the entry fee door prizes, and with that the picnic was over. Everyone continued to mingle before wandering back over to the parking lots. 

By the end of the day, 49 mushers signed up for Iditarod 50. Registration will continue through December. Mushers are not announced/accepted until their paperwork is complete and their entry fee (a whopping $4000) is accepted and processed. Mushers can apply online, through the mail, and in person at Headquarters (I think fax might still be an option, too). Of those signed up, six former Iditarod Champions are in the mix. Nine rookies are already on the roster as well. Along with the champs and rookies are a list of who's who in mushing. Once again, the race is looking at one of its most competitive fields. With the race hitting the historic milestone of 50 years, it is expected that the roster will only deepen with many old timers contemplating openly how they'd like to participate. To view a full list of mushers, visit the Iditarod's musher list

Mushers have until December to register for the Iditarod (after November 30, the entry fee jumps to $8000). More announcements on plans for the 50th Iditarod will be announced beginning July 1. We're just under three months until the fall training season should begin. 

Who are you excited to see sign up? Who are you surprised isn't on the list, or hope to see on the list? Comment below!

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Iditarod Sign-Ups open this Saturday

The last weekend in June marks the beginning of the mushing pre-season in Alaska with the opening of Musher Sign-Ups for the next Iditarod. The annual Iditarod Picnic is back after having to take last year off due to Covid-19 concerns. The excitement is back as mushers, volunteers, and fans all plan to attend the festivities at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla on June 26. 

Sign-Ups in person open at 10am Saturday, with the picnic kicking off with grilled burgers and salmon for anyone in attendance at 11am. Door prizes for the mushers will be drawn at 1:30pm (one of the prizes is winning their entry fee back), and mushers must be present in order to win. This gives fans and volunteers an opportunity to chat with mushers in a relaxed, celebratory manner. Friends reunite, stories are told, it's everything you expect from a picnic/bbq.

As with last year, mushers can choose to register online. While they won't be entered in the drawings for the door prizes, they can win an advantageous spot for the bib draw (those that sign up opening day get to draw first for bibs in March). Mushers must pay the $4000 entry fee upon registration for their application to be accepted. 

The Iditarod will hit a milestone in 2022 with its 50th running. The first race was run in 1972, and has run consecutively every year since. What was once considered a fool's folly has become the premiere long distance sled dog race in the world. It's boasted that more people have climbed Mount Everest than have completed the Iditarod. It is a legend all its own, and inspires many the world over into the sport. What was once a dream in keeping the sled dog alive and well and the spirit of the Alaskan adventurer has grown to be a lifestyle for men and women alike.

With the 50th running, it's natural for many to want to take part. Many mushers have already announced they plan to sign up - and it wouldn't be surprising to see the biggest turn out for opening day. Some mushers are unable to make it in person on Saturday and have already let slip that they submitted via the online form. Mushers like the Swede Mats Pettersson and British-Canadan Rob Cooke took to facebook earlier this week sharing their registrations were sent in. Other mushers have taken to social media to announce their intentions. The 50th running is a BIG DEAL. It wouldn't be a surprise to see some teams we haven't seen run in years join in on this one.

Who do you expect to see sign up? Have any mushers you hope to see on the roster? Comment below with how many teams you think will sign up opening day!


---------
As I have for more than a decade, I plan to be in attendance on Saturday. After having no picnic last summer and not being able to be a part of the pomp and ceremony of the start this past March, there's no way I want to miss out on the reunion. Make sure to follow me on Twitter for updates as I'm able to share them (I don't always have great service at the HQ). If you're going to be there, look for me! I'm shy but feel free to say hello! 


Tuesday, June 22, 2021

2021/22 Race Season Schedule

With the Summer Solstice behind us, it's only a matter of time before autumn is upon us here in the North and with that the touring season will give way to the training season. As has been my habit over the last few years, I've compiled a list of the mid and long distance races fans wait for every year. If there is a new race, or one that I've missed in previous seasons please comment below with information and I'll be happy to research and add it! I'm always looking for more races to follow, and I'm sure other fans are, too!

And now, without further adieu, the 2021-22 race schedule. As always this page will be updated as dates become official.

Race List

Alpine Creek Excursion Sled Dog Race
December 11, 2021
Facebook


Two Rivers Solstice 50/50
December 21, 2021
Facebook 

Knik 200*
January 1, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

MUSH Synnfjell
January 7, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Gunflint Mail Run
January 8, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Copper Basin 300*
January 8, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Alpine Creek 200/300*
January 18, 2022
Facebook

Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race*
January 20, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Willow 300*
January 26, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Kuskokwim 300*
January 28, 2022 
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Pedigree Stage Stop Race
January 28, 2022
Website / Facebook

Tustumena 200*
Hoping to return in 2022!
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*
January 30, 2022
Website / Facebook 

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon*
January 30, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Femundløpet*
February 2, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Caledonia Classic
February 4, 2022
Website / Facebook

Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
February 5, 2022
Website / Facebook

Yukon Quest*
February 5, 2022 (Alaska)
February 19, 2022 (Yukon)
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Summit Quest (Formerly AK Yukon 300)*
February 5, 2022?
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Bergebyløpet N70
February 9, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook

Amundsen Race*
February 16, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Race to the Sky*
TBA
Website / Facebook 

UP200*
February 17, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Yukon Journey 450
February 19, 2022?
Website / Facebook


Northern Pines Sled Dog Race
February 19, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Canadian Challenge*
February 22, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
February 27, 2022
Website / Facebook


Two Rivers 100/200*
TBA
Facebook 

Junior Iditarod
February 26, 2022
Website

Iditarod 50*
March 5, 2022
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Can-Am Crown International*
March 5, 2022
Website / Facebook 

Finnmarksløpet*
TBA
Website / Facebook 

Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Run*
TBA
Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Hudson Bay Quest
TBA
Website / Facebook


Nome to Council 200*
TBA, March 2022
Facebook 

Kobuk 440*
April 7, 2022
Website / Facebook

*Iditarod/Yukon Quest Qualifying Race

Do you like having an easy to find list like this and want to see them continue? I'm looking at a significant change in circumstance and while this blog has always been a hobby and will continue to be - and this list is more for myself than anything - if you can spare a few dollars to help keep this blog running I would greatly appreciate it. I hate doing shameless plugs, but readers have asked and I'm finally opening up to the idea. Please do not feel obligated, but know that all support (in every form, not just financial) is greatly appreciated! Click here to "buy me a coffee".

Friday, April 2, 2021

Kobuk 440 starts at a "pleasant" thirty-five below

The Kobuk 440 is a windy one today as teams took off out of Kotzebue this afternoon. The blizzard like conditions have teams running in wind that brings the temperature to a balmy -35F. Teams are running into the wind and as luck would have it the wind will shift just as teams hit the turn around point and so they will run into the wind on the return trip. The race should have started Thursday, but weather kept many of the teams from getting into Kotzebue and for race officials to get out on the trail. Mushers and their support crews are concerned about getting back out of Kotzebue after the race finishes.

The Kobuk 440 is one of the few races that starts with a Mass Start. Due to weather and Covid concerns there were no official live feeds, but Ryan Redington went Live at the start and during the first few miles of his race via his facebook page. View that below (the wind is crazy, well worth the watch). 


You can follow the teams via the trackleader "trackybois" (a term of endearment first brought by the Kobuk 440 two years ago). 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

2021 Kobuk 440 Musher Roster

Iditarod may be over (still not okay with that) but that doesn't mean the mushing season has ended! This Friday (starting time was moved back a day due to weather keeping planes grounded meaning many teams were unable to get into Kotzebue until Wednesday) a little after noon 12 teams will charge down the trail from Kotzebue to Kobuk and back. The Kobuk 440 boasts they are "the toughest race to take place above the arctic circle." The roster this year is small but competitive. Due to covid-19 mitigation, only 10 teams were allowed to come from outside the region. 

As I've done with many of the races this season, here's the roster with the links to all of the ways you can interact with the teams online (that I've found). You can view the musher bios on the Meet the Mushers link on the race's website.


2021 Musher Roster

Reese Madden - Facebook / Instagram
Nic Petit - Website / Facebook / Twitter
Gunnar Johnson - Website / Facebook / Twitter 
Philip Hanke - Facebook 
Hugh Neff - Facebook / Instagram
Ryan Redington - Website / Facebook
Tony Browning - Facebook
Dereck Starr - Facebook 
Jeff King - Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Sam Brewer - Website / Facebook / Instagram
Dempsey Woods - Facebook 
Kevin Hansen - Facebook


I am unsure if bib numbers will be in the order of registration. The Kobuk 440 is one of the few races that begin with a mass start. Who are you cheering for? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, hopes, and predictions!