2023 Knik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial race

WASILLA — A total of 27 mushers tested their grit in preparation for the upcoming Iditarod during this year's Knik 200 race.

Barb Redington helps organize the Knik 200 every year. She said it was a good race and she was pleased with the overall turnout.

"It went really, really well," Redington said.

The Knik 200 is one of several races across the state that serve as qualifiers for the Iditarod.

While there were a total of 30 mushers signed up for the 2023 race, three dropped out. Redington said the final total of 27 mushers was still a strong field with notable names from the mushing community.

"It was a really good field," Redington said. "We were well up from last year. It was great."

Eddie Burke won this year's race. Brent Sass took second place, and Nic Petit placed in third.

Matt Failor won the Joe Redington Sr. Spirit of Mushing Award, and Josh Robbins won the Red Lantern Award.

Hunter Keefe won the Humanitarian Award for taking excellent care of his dog team. Keefe also won the Bud Smyth Sportsmanship Award.

Redington said putting this event on is a large undertaking, but they always have a steady supply of community members that step up to make it happen each year. She said that she cherishes this annual tradition.

"There's a lot of great volunteers that help put this race on. I'm glad it's still going," Redington said. "It all comes together."

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com