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Who is Iditarod Musher Matt Hall?

March 12, 2026
Editor and/or Contributors

Few on this trail in this year’s race share more and have a larger fan base than Matt Hall and his wife, Elke. They provide invaluable information on their social media pages that is second to none. Matt is an Iditarod veteran musher who was born and raised in Alaska and now lives in Two Rivers with Elke. Together they operate Silver Ace Sled Dog Kennel, a competitive racing kennel home to about 50 hardworking dogs. Matt’s life with sled dogs began early, growing up on his family’s trapline in Interior Alaska where dogs were part of everyday survival. Hauling water, heating with wood stoves, fishing salmon on the Yukon, and traveling by dog team were all part of the lifestyle that shaped his connection to the sport.

Matt learned the craft of training sled dogs from his parents, Wayne and Scarlett Hall, who taught him the fundamentals of dog care, teamwork, and life on the trail. He started his own kennel at just sixteen years old and moved to Fairbanks at twenty to begin pursuing long-distance racing more seriously. Over the years, Matt and his Silver Ace team have become well-known competitors, racing in events such as the Yukon Quest 1000 and 350, the Copper Basin 300, and a number of other mid- and long-distance races across Alaska and Canada.

Matt has competed in the Iditarod regularly since 2018, building a strong record with multiple top finishes, including second place in the race in back-to-back years. For him, the draw of the Iditarod comes down to one thing: competition. The challenge of preparing a team, testing himself against the trail, and racing alongside the best mushers in the sport is what keeps him coming back.

When he’s not on the runners, Matt enjoys spending time on the water and works as a summer tour guide. Still, the center of his world remains his kennel and the pursuit of racing at the highest level with the dogs he trains and trusts on the trail.

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📸 Photo Credit: https://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/hall-wins-rookie-award-places-third-in-yukon-quest/article_3bdb6f8a-93c1-11e3-b4b1-0017a43b2370.html

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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