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Iditarod 54 Day 11 Update: Jessie Holmes Wins the 2026 Iditarod as Finishers Arrive in Nome

March 19, 2026
Editor and/or Contributors

In this Day 11 update of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the race has its champion as Jessie Holmes crosses under the burled arch in Nome, securing victory in just over nine days. His performance was marked by strong strategy, consistent pacing, and a healthy, high-performing team throughout the race.

Travis Beals follows in second place just a few hours later, with Jeff Deeter, Paige Drobny, and Wade Mars rounding out the top five. As teams continue to arrive in Nome, the race shifts from competition to completion, with mushers finishing their thousand-mile journey across Alaska.

The episode also highlights the ongoing battle for Rookie of the Year, with contenders still on the trail, and provides updates on the remaining teams working their way through White Mountain and Safety.

Listeners also hear a musher profile of Bailey Vitello, a second-generation musher building his career through years of racing and dedication, as well as a historical look back at Martin Buser’s 1997 Iditarod victory and what it meant for the sport.

Musher Profile: Bailey Vitello

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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