Over 20 mushers sign up for 2025 Iditarod

Twenty-four mushers signed up for the 2025 Iditarod on the opening day of registration.

According to a press release, the 2025 Iditarod race roster is already featuring a strong list of notable returning mushers such as 2023 champion Ryan Redington, 2024 second and third-place finishers Matt Hall and Jessie Holmes, 2024 Rookie of the Year Josi Thyr, Anna Berington, Deke Naaktgeboren, Travis Beals, Michelle Phillips, Riley Dyche and Nic Petit.

Mushers had the opportunity to sign up for upcoming race at the annual Musher Sign Up and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic held at the Iditarod Headquarters Saturday, June 29.

Nic Petit and Travis Beals received free entries to the race through the annual drawing held at the picnic.

As of June 29, the 2025 roster features 11 rookies and 13 veterans, 15 men and nine women and 12 returning mushers from the 2024 race.

Those who were unable to attend the picnic can still sign up through mail, email, or in person. The final day to sign up before the entry fee increases is December 2.

During a follow up interview, Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach said this was a great start to preparing for the 2025 race. He encourages race fans to follow the Iditarod’s updates as more mushers sign up for the 2025 race.

“We feel really good. It's just the beginning,” Urbach said. “I think you're going to see a good healthy field.”

The Iditarod is also holding its second annual art contest and accepting entries through July 31.

The winner’s artwork will be featured on a variety of promotional merchandise to commemorate 53rd Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

“I think that's super cool to engage the community and get immersed in what we're doing and our culture,” Urbach said.

The Iditarod recently announced the opening of its summer raffle featuring a grand prize winner of $100,050, two awards of $10,000, and twenty-seven $1,000 winners. The raffle drawing will be held at the Iditarod booth at the Alaska State Fair along the Green Trail at 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, and winners do not need to be present to win.

For more information, visit iditarod.com.

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