1. 

Lynne Witte, Cheboygan, Michigan


Kennel Name: Iskristall Kennel
Sponsors: dogbooties.com
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Cache and Rossi
Number of Years Racing: 13

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Loved outdoors and in 2000 represented educators at Iditarod to learn and involve students in lessons related to sled dogs and related life skills. I returned and begin skijoring with 1-2 dogs and by the time I skijored with 4 dogs decided switch to a sled which was safer.


Where have you raced?

Michigan, Minnesota, Yukon


Have a training or race experience to share?

Great memories running the Yukon Quest an adventure of such vastness but learned amazing trust in my dog team as we worked together.


2. 

Jana Roberts, Wetmore, Michigan


Kennel Name: Spirit Dream Racing
Sponsors: None
Major Breed or Bloodline: Mixed northern breed
Lead Dog(s): Spirit and Rainlily
Number of Years Racing: 4

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

As a child, I became enamored with sled dogs while watching “Iron Will.” After spending 25 years working with horses, I finally had the chance to dive back into the world of dog sports. I’ve relished the experience of raising my own team and sharing my passion for the sport with newcomers.


Where have you raced?

American Dog Derby, Ashton, ID. Flathead Classic, Kalispell, MT. Warm Lake Stage Race, McCall, ID. Wildfire Defense Fun Run, West Yellowstone, MT. Antelope Butte, WY.


Have a training or race experience to share?

My current cherished moment involves taking my friend’s five-year-old boy for a scooter ride with my Great Pyrenees house dog. The little guy eagerly requested more speed, but when we hit top velocity, he exclaimed, “Whoa! Slow down,” only to change his mind and ask for more speed once more.


3. 

Ryan Roberts, Wetmore, Michigan


Kennel Name: Spirit Dream Racing
Sponsors: None
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskies
Lead Dog(s): Irma and Rags
Number of Years Racing: 4

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Blame it on my wife – I initially wanted to try skijoring, but I ended up favoring the sled because it felt safer and more enjoyable.


Where have you raced?

Antelope Butte, WY. Warm Lake Stage Race, McCall, ID. American Dog Derby, Ashton, ID. Flathead Classic, Kalispell, MT.


Have a training or race experience to share?

My proudest racing moment was taking 2nd place with six dogs in a very competitive 8 dog race at the Warm Lake Stage Race.


4. 

Derek Nechuta, Mosinee, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Gypsy Moondogs
Major Breed or Bloodline: Siberian Husky
Lead Dog(s): Brutus and Redwings
Number of Years Racing: 3

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I’ve been interested in sled dogs since I was around 8 years old. In 2018 I rescued my first Siberian husky and was hooked. 


Where have you raced?

Beargrease, Gunflint Mail Run, Northern Pines, Copper Dog, Wolftrack Classic 


Have a training or race experience to share?

I was on a training run and dropped a mitten out of reach with 2 miles left in the run. The snow wasn’t deep enough to really set the hook, and the dogs were standing patiently waiting to go. I stretched out and let go of the handlebars for a second and just like that, the sled and the dogs took off in the dark… I ran after the sled screaming in panic, I followed their tracks, they ended up blowing the turn back into the kennel. I jumped on the quad and went down the trail.. I found them a few miles later, all resting and happy behind the nearest Tavern.


5. 

Larry Fortier, Gaylord, Michigan


Kennel Name: Coyote Run Sled Dog Kennel
Sponsors: UpNorth Land Company & Wittock Supply Kitchen and Bath
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky / Mostly Swingley lines
Lead Dog(s): Too early to decide that…😆
Number of Years Racing: 20+

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

My wife got pregnant and couldn't race. 


Where have you raced?

TCSDR, Beargrease Mid, Copperdog 150, Apostle Islands


Have a training or race experience to share?

I could talk for days about the great memories and scary moments from this sport. If you want to hear some of them, come sit around a campfire with me and Joann 😊


6. 

Joann J Fortier, Gaylord, Michigan


Kennel Name: Coyote Run Sled Dog Kennel
Sponsors: Northwood Land Company & UpNorth Land Company
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskies
Lead Dog(s): Finn, Rue & Moose
Number of Years Racing: 24

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I have always wanted to have sled dogs since seeing Susan Butcher win the Iditarod on TV in the 80's. 


Where have you raced?

Tahquamenon, Midnight Run, Copper Dog 150, Beagrease Mid, Apostle Islands and many other races over the last 2+ decades. 


Have a training or race experience to share?

Racing MNR during the 2015 blizzard will always stand out in my mind as the most epic experience I've ever had mushing dogs. 70+ mph wind blew my team & I completely off the trail repeatedly when we were running along the lake and I couldn't see anything except white. The wind coming off Lake Superior sounded like a freight train. It was crazy! 


7. 

Joanna Oberg, Grand Marais, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Run Silent Racing
Sponsors: Agimac River Outfitters, Grand Marais Marathon Gas Station
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Nikita, Laska, Jedi, Phoenix, Cyclone, Iceman
Number of Years Racing: 23

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Some friends gave me a sled dog ride, and I was hooked from the get-go! I love the controlled chaos of the sport and the enthusiasm of the dogs :)


Where have you raced?

Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Canada


Have a training or race experience to share?

Last winter a young leader decided to chase after a FedEx van that pulled out in front of us just as we were turning onto an icy road section, dragging my old leader, along with her :) Being unable to stop with the 16 dog string, on the icy road, we ended up with the team facing down a very narrow driveway with big high snowbanks, before I was able to stop finally by stabbing the snowbank with my snowhook. I roped the FedEx driver into helping us turn the team around, and with the help of another older gentleman that rode up on a snowmobile hearing the dogs barking, my dad and I were able to get the team doubled back and swung around one direction out of there, and then another swinging the team around to turn them back in the direction we came from and then finally back onto the trail that we were supposed to be on lol. It was interesting to say the least.


8. 

Brian Bergen, Sioux Lookout, Ontario


Kennel Name: Gone To The Dogs
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskans
Number of Years Racing: 10

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Someone moved to Sioux Lookout and their family was involved in sled dogs. He convinced us to take some of his dogs from his family.


Where have you raced?

Mail Run, Beargrease, Midnight Run, and Wolf Track Classic


Have a training or race experience to share?

No, not really.


9. 

Heather Brandon, Cook, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Meander Mountain Huskies
Sponsors: Vermilion Vet Clinic
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Number of Years Racing: 4

Where have you raced?

Michigan and Minnesota


Have a training or race experience to share?

There was the training run in 1998 with John Fisher that was supposed to just be a nice little 3-hour run but instead, it took swimming a beaver pond with both entire teams and about 8 hours of being lost before we made it to our destination.


10. 

Rita Wehseler, Tofte, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Stoney Creek Kennels
Sponsors: Lang’s Feeds, Canine Health Forward, Claire Seekins and Chris Johnson
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskans
Lead Dog(s): Ski, Boo and Raven
Number of Years Racing: 25+

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

A friend took me out on his team and I was hooked.


Where have you raced?

John Beargrease, Can-Am, UP200


Have a training or race experience to share?

My favorite memory is giving an autistic child a ride and every time we went down the hill he lifted his arms and flapped like a bird. Oh, so much joy if we could all have that much joy and simple things.


11. 

Michael Bestgen, St. Cloud, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Fugarwe Kennels
Sponsors: Lang’s Meat, Espana Silk, me-myself and I
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan
Lead Dog(s): Bourbon and Whiskey
Number of Years Racing: 25

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I love dogs and the outdoors.


Where have you raced?

US and Canada


Have a training or race experience to share?

I love coming to the U.P., the people and trails are so nice.


12. 

Kevin Malikowski, Outing, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Winternight Sled Dogs
Sponsors: Winternight Sled Dogs
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan
Number of Years Racing: 30

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I watched a sled dog race, that was all it took.


Where have you raced?

Beargrease, UP200, Can Am, Hudson Bay Quest


Have a training or race experience to share?

Too many great memories.


13. 

Alex LaPlante, Duluth, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Dark Sky Kennel
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Roy, Cobalt, Goose, Berry
Number of Years Racing: 12

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I love winter and dogs! 


Where have you raced?

Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan 


Have a training or race experience to share?

My lead dog wrapped my whole team around another musher’s truck once because he was looking for an open door to get in. 


14. 

Paul R Therriault, Oxford, Maine


Kennel Name: 2XTREME RACING
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Comanche, Grit, Yeti
Number of Years Racing: 38

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Secret go the Wolves by R. D. Lawrence was a book I read in my early 20s. I met people with sled dogs and haven’t looked back since.


Where have you raced?

Labrador 
Minnesota 
Quebec
Ontario
New England


Have a training or race experience to share?

I’ve took a 12 year break from racing and entered a local 35 mile race in 2022 with my son’s dogs. I had so much fun racing again that I decided to get my own team together again. In 2023 I trained and raced a very young team with my season culminating with the Can-Am 100. I am hoping to use the MNR to get my team ready for my next Can-Am 100. In 2025 I may try some longer races.


15. 

Janine Pollock, St. Cloud, FL


Kennel Name: FL8risk Siberians
Sponsors: My emotional support village and Bank of Janine
Major Breed or Bloodline: Siberian Husky & 2 borrowed Alaskan Huskies
Lead Dog(s): TinMan, Summit and Chloe
Number of Years Racing: 1

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Racing?  Someone told me it was a good idea


Where have you raced?

Iron River, WI; Calumet, MI


Have a training or race experience to share?

Iron Mountain. 1st race ever. Crowd gathered on top of the hill to see the team from FL leave the chute. We did, then made the first sweeping turn only to have Bleu lead the team loping like dolphins into the deep off trail snow. He thought shortcut while I took minutes to untangle our mess. I could not wait to escape into the privacy of the woods with my face of shame. The forest quickly washed away the embarrassment and replaced it with joy and excitement and appreciation for what my furry best friends were sharing with me. I was happy to hear that the crowd that gathered on the hill, did not laugh at my follies down below but rather erupted into applause at our "restart" post tangle.


16. 

Fayth Weed, Manchester, New Hampshire


Kennel Name: 2Xtreme
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskies
Number of Years Racing: 3

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

The woman who groomed my childhood dog growing up had a sled dog kennel and I was instantly fascinated. She put me on a sled and said, "Rule number one is never let go" and off I went! I was hooked from there and have been involved in many aspects of the sled dog community since then from volunteering on veterinary teams, being a member of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association, handling, training teams, and now racing!


Where have you raced?

Maine and New Hampshire


Have a training or race experience to share?

It is always an adventure being out with the dogs from spending time in the off season bonding with team to training and racing. Each dog has a personality and its always fun to see how their personalities shine and how they come together to work as a team. They are perfectly imperfect and fearless in their pursuit of happiness. The dogs teach me patience, grace, and forgiveness. It is all about having fun and enjoying each moment on the trail with them.
 


17. 

Megan Moberly, Wentworth, New Hampshire


Kennel Name: Yukikaze Siberians
Major Breed or Bloodline: Siberian Husky / Sibersong lines
Lead Dog(s): Chise - 4 year old Siberian Husky, Tira - 4 year old Siberian Husky, Rukia - 2 year old Siberian Husky
Number of Years Racing: 8

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Back in 2013 I rescued a Siberian Husky that had a lot of energy - I'm sure many have heard this story. I took up bikejoring for him to have an outlet and he was an absolute natural. The passion he had for bikejoring was clear to see and I quickly became addicted. I started dryland racing with my rescues and also got my first working line Siberian in 2015. I fell in love with the Sibersong lines at that point and I have slowly built my team from a small recreational team to a current team of 12 working line Siberians that I currently train and race with. This season I will primarily be racing my own dogs but also will be borrowing 2 or more from my friend Jaye Foucher (Sibersong Sleddogs) who has been a huge support in my decision to bump up from the Jack Pine 30 to the Midnight Run, from lending me dogs as well as offering to lend me equipment if needed.


Where have you raced?

I started out racing in the midwest dryland races (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin) and then moved to sled races (New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Ontario Canada).


Have a training or race experience to share?

One great memory was going to the Seguin Mail Run last season. This was not a competitive race, but rather a traditional event where 15 teams gather and mush with "sledvelopes" in their sled from Humphrey, Ontario to the post master in Rosseau, Ontario. The sledvelopes go on to be mailed all over the world. I thought it was just a really cool concept to keep the spirit of dog mushing alive. My good friend Alison came with me to be my handler and we just had such a great time, the city welcomed us with open arms and we truly felt like part of the community. Our dogs also enjoyed all the attention before and after the run!


18. 

Melissa Mendelson, Solon Springs, Wisconsin


Kennel Name: Flight Risk Mushing
Sponsors: #uglydogs
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Legend, Compass, Bogey, Loaf
Number of Years Racing: 7

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Melissa grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio where she was enamored with sled dogs from a young age, first learning about them from an artist she followed online. Through two trips to Alaska, she learned about the Alaskan Husky. In 2015, she met a local musher in Ohio and discovered dryland and urban mushing, and was instantly hooked. After a season bikejoring her friend's dogs, Melissa purchased her first Alaskan husky Ziggy and the rest is history.

​In 2021, Melissa moved to northern Wisconsin to pursue her mid distance goals.
 


Where have you raced?

Tahquamenon, Copperdog, Northern Pines, Beargrease


Have a training or race experience to share?

In early 2022, my dog Flounder got deathly injured on a training run. Too much excitement and his partner jumped him and shredded his rear leg. Thanks to some amazing vet care in Minneapolis and generous friends and the #uglydogs, Flounder kept his life and his leg. I never expected him to run again, but that fall, I threw him on the line to see what would happen. And he has still been on the race team since, like nothing ever happened. His long scar snaking down his leg is just a memory for him and doesn't hold him back.


19. 

Tim Kimball, South Boardman, Michigan


Kennel Name: Kimball Kennels
Major Breed or Bloodline: Euro Hound/Alaskan Huskies
Lead Dog(s): Freddie/Buffy
Number of Years Racing: 20+

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

Needed a winter hobby


Where have you raced?

Northern Michigan


Have a training or race experience to share?

Watch out for porcupines!!!


20. 

Shannon Miller Adkins, Sand Coulee, Montana


Kennel Name: Mo Betta Sled Dog Kennel
Sponsors: Kaye Ward, Lost Trail Winery
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan husky/Streeper hound
Lead Dog(s): Levi and Taruca (Ruca Roo)
Number of Years Racing: 17

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I got into sled dogs while working as a guide for Frank Teasley and the Jackson Hole Iditarod in Wyoming in 1997. The rest is history!


Where have you raced?

Three previous Midnight Run finishes, several Copperdog finishes as well as Tahquamenon, West Yellowstone Montana. I'm from the Midwest and previously lived in the U.P. but my husband is from Montana, so my race resume includes the west and Midwest!


Have a training or race experience to share?

Once while coming in from a 40-mile training run in Deer Park, Michigan, my dogs refused (and I mean absolutely refused!) to take the final turn back to our cabin. Then in the night, I heard the call of several wolves and I understood why! We frequently see coyote, mule deer and antelope on our training runs in north central Montana, and I love seeing all the wildlife we share trails with...as long as it's not a moose! 


21. 

Chloe Beatty, Lakeville, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Four Leaf Dogsledding
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskies
Number of Years Racing: 10ish

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I began my mushing career at eight years old with my twin sister and cocker spaniels Lucky and Boo. I was a collegiate gymnast alongside my sister throughout college and have had the opportunity to work in Alaska the past three summers expanding my knowledge working for Dallas Seavey. I am beyond thankful to have such a supportive family, to receive guidance from Rita Wehseler, and to have friends in the mushing community that have helped me pursue my passion.


Where have you raced?

Minnesota, Wisconsin


Have a training or race experience to share?

Some of my favorite memories from mushing are simply being out on the runners with my sister.


Withdrawn
Siri Martin, Marquette, Michigan 
Frank Holmberg, Newberry, Michigan