The Iditarod, Alaska’s most famous sled dog race, is set to begin on March 3, 2025. This 1,000-mile endurance challenge from Fairbanks to Nome will see 33 mushers and their dog teams battle extreme weather and rough terrain. While the race is deeply rooted in Alaskan culture, Wisconsin will have a strong presence, with five competitors having ties to the Badger State. Three of them either grew up in Wisconsin or currently reside there, making this year’s race even more exciting for fans back home.
Wisconsin’s Connection to the Iditarod
Among the mushers, Quince Mountain and Daniel Klein currently live in Wisconsin, while veteran racer Anna Berington was raised in the state. The reigning 2023 Iditarod champion, Ryan Redington, has trained in northern Wisconsin, and rookie musher Emily Ford has a deep connection to the state through her hiking adventures.
Quince Mountain Returns to Complete His 2020 Mission
Quince Mountain, a musher from Mountain, Wisconsin, is back for his second Iditarod. His journey into sled dog racing began unexpectedly after he married writer and Iditarod musher Blair Braverman. Together, they built BraverMountain Mushing and gained a strong following known as the Ugly Dogs.
In 2020, Mountain made history as the first openly transgender musher in the Iditarod. However, the COVID-19 pandemic cut his race short, forcing him and his team to withdraw after 714 miles. Now, he’s returning to complete the challenge and prove his resilience.
For Mountain, the race isn’t just about competition—it’s about the bond between musher and dogs. “Our dogs are courageous, strong, smart, and curious. I can only hope some of that rubs off on me,” he said in his biography.
Rookie Musher Daniel Klein Steps Up from Eagle, Wisconsin
Daniel Klein, from Eagle, Wisconsin, is making his Iditarod debut. He trains under the Redington Mushing team, a prestigious name in the sled dog racing world. His passion for endurance sports, including marathons and triathlons, has prepared him for the grueling race ahead.
Klein sees the Iditarod as the ultimate test, blending athleticism with survival skills. “Competing against other mushers while battling the elements with my dogs is what excites me the most,” he shared.
Ryan Redington: The Reigning Champion with Wisconsin Ties
Ryan Redington, the 2023 Iditarod winner, comes from a legendary mushing family. His grandfather, Joe Redington Sr., co-founded the race in 1973, and his father, Raymie Redington, finished the race ten times. While Ryan now lives in Alaska year-round, he previously spent half the year training in northern Wisconsin near Brule.
Redington’s impact on the sport extends beyond his own success. He mentored Morgan Martens, a rising star who finished second in the 2024 Junior Iditarod. His dedication to the sport and his time spent in Wisconsin make him a favorite among Badger State fans.
Anna Berington: A Veteran Musher from Northern Wisconsin
Anna Berington and her twin sister, Kristy, have been competing in the Iditarod for years. The two grew up in northern Wisconsin, graduated from South Shore High School in Port Wing, and even served in the Wisconsin National Guard.
The sisters race under the Seeing Double Sled Dog Racing team. While they typically compete together, this year, Anna will be the only one running the Iditarod, as Kristy focuses on training for competitive cycling. Their determination and experience make them strong contenders in any race.
Emily Ford: From Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail to the Iditarod
Emily Ford, a rookie musher from Duluth, Minnesota, has already proven her toughness. In 2021, she thru-hiked Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail in the dead of winter, facing snowstorms and freezing temperatures alongside her dog, Diggins.
Ford fell in love with sled dog racing through her partner, Anna Hennessy. While she won’t be the first Black woman to complete the Iditarod, she hopes to inspire others. “I want to represent Black people in cold places and show that adventure is for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or background,” she said.
A Strong Wisconsin Presence in the Iditarod
With experienced champions, determined rookies, and deep Wisconsin ties, the 2025 Iditarod will be an exciting race to watch. Wisconsin fans have plenty of reasons to cheer as their fellow residents take on one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world.
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