Iditarod announces first 22 mushers on first day of sign-ups

The Iditarod Trail Committee announced that as of June 28, 22 mushers have officially entered the Last Great Race, set for March 7, 2026, during the Iditarod Volunteer Appreciation and 2026 Musher Sign-Up Picnic at Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla.

After only the first day of sign-ups, the Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) said in a press release that the field for the 2026 race is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a strong roster of returning champions, seasoned veterans, and promising newcomers. The current list includes 18 race and four rookies, with 17 men and five women signed up so far.

Among the early entrants are many of the Top 10 finishers from last year’s Iditarod, including reigning champion Jessie Holmes, runner-up Matt Hall, and third-place finisher Paige Drobny, Other names from last year’s top ten finishers include Travis Beals, Ryan Redington, Mille Porsild, Bailey Vitello, and Riley Dyche.

Also returning to the trail are veteran mushers Jessie Royer, Nicolas Petit, Chad Stoddard, Keaton Loeberich, Jason Mackey, Lauro Eklund, Thomas Waerner, Richie Beattie, Gabe Dunham, and Rohn Buser. All entries for the 2026 Iditarod are subject to review by the Qualifying Review Board within 30 days of their entry.

Those who were unable to sign up during the picnic still have the option to register, with the deadline to enter at the standard entry fee is Friday, November 28, 2025, after which the fee will increase.

The line-up announcement comes two weeks after the ITC announced the Iditarod’s first-ever Expedition Musher, Kjell Inge Røkke, as the ITC launches of a new initiative called The Iditarod Expedition Musher Program. This honorary category is set up to welcome distinguished individuals from around the world to race the iconic Iditarod while promoting the race’s values of endurance, cultural heritage, and respect for the Arctic environment.

A Norwegian businessman and philanthropist, Røkke is the first-ever Expedition Musher during the 2026 Iditarod. In a press release from the ITC, the committee said that in recognition of his passion, commitment, and philanthropic support, the ITC has formally endorsed his participation.

"On behalf of the Iditarod Board of Directors, we are honored to welcome Kjell Inge Røkke, a remarkable visionary and adventurer, whose passion for dog mushing, the adventure of the open trail, and our Alaskan communities is consistent with the Iditarod’s enduring spirit and mission.” said Mike Mills, President of the Iditarod Board of Directors.

“The Expedition Musher Program opens a new chapter in Iditarod history—one that brings enhanced global visibility, financial sustainability, and cultural outreach,” said Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach. “Mr. Røkke embodies the spirit of the trail, and we’re thrilled to welcome him on this extraordinary journey.”

Røkke will participate in the race along with the entire field and, while he will be allowed outside assistance, he will be required to complete the entire race on the sled in order to officially finish in Nome and be one of few humans in the world that have earned the coveted Finishers Buckle. The ITC says his participation will align with Iditarod safety and media protocols, and while exempt from certain race official race rules, he has committed to following “best mushing practices” to ensure exemplary dog care and that the integrity and flow of the race are maintained.

As part of his Ambassador role, Mr. Røkke has pledged substantial philanthropic support, including: $25,000 in direct financial support to the ITC; $100,000 to increase the 2026 race purse to $650,000; $170,000 in community support for the 17 Alaska Native villages along the Northern and Southern Routes.

He will also cover 50% of the entry fee for every musher who signs up before November 28, 2025.

Røkke will bring his own dog team, veterinarian and support personnel, all operating under Iditarod’s kennel and humane care standards.

The Expedition Musher Program is part of a broader effort by the ITC to raise awareness, attract global supporters, and strengthen the cultural and environmental legacy as the Last Great Race on Earth®. This unprecedented step blends tradition with innovation—helping to ensure the Iditarod continues to thrive for generations to come. The sign-up picnic also featured the traditional free-entry drawing. The lucky recipients were Matt Hall and Riley Dyche. Two additional mushers received complimentary entries based on outstanding achievements in the 2025 race: Calvin Daugherty, who earned the Hilcorp Alaska Most Inspirational Musher Award, and Paige Drobny, recipient of the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award, presented by the Pike Dog Wellness First Initiative.

In addition, the Iditarod has launched its summer raffle, featuring a grand prize of $100,050, two prizes of $10,000, and twenty-seven $1,000 prizes. The drawing will take place at the Iditarod booth on the Green Trail at the Alaska State Fair on Monday, September 1, 2025. Alaska residents may purchase tickets online at www.iditarod.com/gamesofchance.

The 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which will kick off its 54th running in Anchorage on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The ceremonial start will be followed by the official restart in Willow the next day.

To learn more about the Iditarod, please visit www.iditarod.com