Burke captures inaugural Su Dog 300 title

In a historic return to the trails of Willow, Eddie Burke Jr. etched his name into the record books as the first-ever champion of the inaugural Su Dog 300. Guided by his standout lead dogs, Ryan and Red Dog—the same duo that powered his recent Knik 200 victory—Burke crossed the finish line Monday afternoon to a chorus of cheers from a community celebrating the revival of long-distance mushing in the Susitna Valley.

The win solidifies the former Iditarod Rookie of the Year’s status as a dominant force in the 2026 season and provides a triumphant start for a race designed to honor the heritage of Alaska's mushing capital.

“It’s very magical,” said Su Dog 300 chair Tre-C Dumais at the finish line. She said it was wonderful to see everyone in the mushing community as well as fans come out help and support the dogs and mushers at the checkpoints, offering a warm greeting or familiar face to the mushers. “It’s just inspiring to see the community come together.”

“I think it’s exciting,” said mushing icon DeeDee Jonrowe, who was on hand at the finishing line, as well as stopping at a check point to cheer on the racers. She said she was impressed by the representation of racing kennels from around the area that had teams in the race. “It’s really been exciting to see them all come out for this.”

Burke, wearing Bib #2, was the first out of the chute on Saturday, and kept a strong lead throughout the course.

“It was great. The dogs and I had a wonderful time. We couldn’t have asked for a better race,” said Burke after the race, crossing the finish line just after 4:00 p.m., well ahead of the rest of the racers.

Burke has put together a solid race resume over the past year, coming in first in the 2026 Goose Bay 150, 2026 Knik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial Sled Dog Race, 2025 The T-Dog 100 mile and coming in second in the 2025 Knik 100 mile race.

“I think Eddie’s done a good job. That dog team of his looked really nice and I think he’s managed it well,” Jonrowe said of Burke’s team, which consisted mostly of yearling dogs, and lead dogs Ryan, named in honor of Ryan Redington, and Red Dog, who lead the team to Nome in the 2023 Iditarod.

As for what’s to come, Dumais said they will being planning for next year’s race. In the meantime, the next group of racers are expected to cross the finish line in Willow over the next day, culminating with a Closing Ceremony on Tuesday evening. Tickets can be purchased at the door and includes dinner provided by Patriot Barbeque, and there will be cake to celebrate the success of the race.