Mackey disqualified from 2020 Iditarod after positive drug test

Four-time Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race champion Lance Mackey has been disqualified from the 2020 race. Mackey, who finished 21st in the Last Great Race in March, tested positive for methamphetamine at the White Mountain checkpoint.

Mackey will forfeit the $1,049 prize money earned with his finish, and will now seek professional treatment, according to a statement issued by the Iditarod Thursday.

“Some may have expected, known, or like myself, denied where I am in my life right now. I’m tired of lying to myself, friends, family, and fans, who have all supported me, rooted for me, or been inspired by me. I apologize to all of you. The truth is that I need professional help with my latest life challenge. I am in the process of making arrangements to go to a treatment center where I can get the professional help and real change I need. I’m ready to confront this with all of my focus and determination,” Mackey said in the statement.

Drug testing in the White Mountain checkpoint is standard procedure, according to the Iditarod. Urine samples are taken for the first 30 mushers who hit the checkpoint.

“While this is a very unfortunate event, we hope this disqualification will be a turning point in spurring Lance on the trail to recovery,” said Iditarod Board President Mike Mills. “The health of Lance is our top priority. He is one of our Iditarod heroes who is going through a tough time in his life. Most of us have been touched by addiction in some way, and we realize how painful it can be on friends and family and how very difficult addiction can be to overcome.”

Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach noted that, “A repeat cancer survivor, four-time Iditarod champion, and truly great dog man, Lance is about to take on another challenge, and our first concern is that he finds the support and treatment he needs to get healthy and hopefully finish his most important race.”