As the clock ticks down to the end of another annual Iditarod sign-ups and volunteers picnic for the epic 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, enthusiasts and fans are abuzz with excitement! At the end of the event, a total of 22 mushers have officially thrown their hats into the ring for what promises to be the 54th installment of this legendary race, set to kick off in Anchorage on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Following the ceremonial start, the official restart will take place in Willow the next day.
The competition this year is already looking fierce, with a mix of returning champions, seasoned veterans, and promising newcomers making up a strong roster of entrants. Among those signed up are several top finishers from the 2025 Iditarod, including reigning champion Jessie Holmes and runner-up Matt Hall. Joining them are third-place finisher Paige Drobny, fifth-place Bailey Vitello, sixth-place Travis Beals, eighth-place Ryan Redington, ninth-place Mille Porsild, and tenth-place Riley Dyche.
The 2026 race also welcomes back veteran mushers like Jessie Royer, Nicolas Petit, Chad Stoddard, Keaton Loeberich, Jason Mackey, Lauro Eklund, Thomas Waerner, Richie Beattie, Gabe Dunham, and Rohn Buser. The current lineup features 18 seasoned racers, including three past champions: Jessie Holmes, Ryan Redington, and Thomas Waerner. Additionally, the race has attracted four rookies, comprising a total of 17 men and 5 women who are currently signed up. The Qualifying Review Board will review every entry within 30 days.
For anyone looking to join the ranks of these brave mushers, there’s still a chance to register! The deadline for entries at the standard fee is fast approaching on Friday, November 28, 2025; after that, the fee will go up. In a generous gesture, Kjell Inge Røkke, the Iditarod’s first-ever Expedition Musher, has pledged to cover 50% of the entry fee for every musher who registers before the deadline.
Today’s sign-ups were not just about entries; they also featured the traditional free-entry drawing, with the lucky winners being Matt Hall and Riley Dyche. Additionally, two mushers received complimentary entries in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the 2025 race: Calvin Daugherty, winner of the Hilcorp Alaska Most Inspirational Musher Award, and Paige Drobny, who the Pike Dog Wellness First Initiative awarded the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award.
As anticipation grows, the excitement for the 2026 Iditarod continues to mount! . The countdown to this thrilling race has officially begun, and we can’t wait to witness the extraordinary efforts of all participants!
Story on Iditarod.com