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Iditarod 54 Coverage: Gold Coast Award Winner and the Final Push Toward Nome

March 15, 2026
Editor and/or Contributors

On this Day 8 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the competition intensifies as the leading teams approach the Bering Sea coast. Defending champion Jessie Holmes continues to lead the field, with Travis Beals running just miles behind as the race transitions into its final stretch.

Holmes added another honor to his growing list of awards by claiming the Ryan Air Gold Coast Award after arriving in Unalakleet with 13 dogs in harness. The award includes gold nuggets and commemorative artwork recognizing the first musher to reach the Bering Sea coast.

The episode also discusses the evolving situation with the Expedition Class as one support musher withdraws while another continues toward the ceremonial finish in Nome. Listeners also hear a musher profile of defending champion Jessie Holmes and learn more about the history and superstition of Old Woman Cabin along the Kaltag Portage.

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Musher Profile: Jessie Holmes

Iditarod 54: Podcast Playlist

About the Iditarod

The Iditarod is held each year starting on the first Saturday of March, with a ceremonial start in Anchorage and an official re-start in Willow on Sunday. In 2026 the race will follow the northern route. For more information, please visit Iditarod.com

About The Burled Arch Podcast

Award-winning podcasters Robert and Michele Forto hosts the Burled Arch podcast and covers the race nightly on various media platforms. For more information, please visit Mushing.com

About Team & Trail

Team & Trail became a significant factor in the growth of sled dog racing worldwide. Sled dog racing needed an international association to standardize rules and racing events. The Team and Trail Foundation, a non-profit (501(c)3 pending) whose mission is to support the dog mushing community and lifestyle, was founded to offer unique sports sponsorship opportunities. For more information, please visit teamandtrail.org

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