Melissa Mendelson, Solon Springs, WI


Kennel Name: Flight Risk Mushing
Sponsors: Family, friends, and the #uglydogs community
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky - a little mix of many bloodlines
Lead Dog(s): Compass, Foucher (pronounced foo-shay), Loaf, Zirkle
Number of Years Racing: 11

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I started running sleddogs in college. I thought you had to live in Alaska and have like 10 dogs to even start... until I met someone who did bikejoring and lived near me in northeast Ohio! I borrowed her Alaskan Huskies for a couple years until getting my own, and the rest is history!


Where have you raced?

All across Minnesota, Wisconsin, the UP... and Ohio!


Have a training or race experience to share?

My first Midnight Run, one of my main leaders was in heat, so I didn't want to put her in lead next to an intact male. Instead, I decided to put my backup leader, Kestrel, in lead... big mistake. After about 25 or 30 miles, he stopped to poop. Dead stop,  like stopping an anchor, and I had to untangle the dogs when I wasn't quick enough on the brake. He does his business and then we're off. Except Kestrel stops again. And again. And again. Every mile or two for 20 miles. I was over an hour later than the estimated time of arrival I had told my handlers at Chatham... and you could see every time Kestrel stopped on the tracker!! He got demoted to wheel for the second run and things went much smoother! 

Lucy Howe, Michigamme, MI


Kennel Name: Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Number of Years Racing: 3

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I joined The Mushing Club at Michigan Tech


Where have you raced?

I have raced in the 6-dog pro at Tahquamenon Country Dog Sled Race, the 30 miles Hiawatha Heritage Dog Sled Race, the CopperDog 15, and the Beargrease 120.


Have a training or race experience to share?

After finishing the Beargrease 120 last year my eye lashes, fur hood, and gator were frozen. It was a very cold morning in Northern Minnesota during my last leg. However, when crossing the finish line I did not feel cold at all, I was actually warm with joy seeing my team finish strong and all the support I had waiting at the finish.

Elizabeth Coons, McMillan, MI


Kennel Name: Nature's Kennel
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Noogie, Baboon, Vixen
Number of Years Racing: 3

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I have been running winter dogsled tours for Nature's Kennel for many years and wanted to try something new in the sport. Now I get to run tours and also race!


Where have you raced?

Tahquamenon Country, Beargrease 40, Copperdog 120, Hiawatha Heritage Race, Midnight Run


Have a training or race experience to share?

It's always a new adventure on the trail! 

Jen Thompson, Rhinelander, WI


Kennel Name: Lost Mile Mushing
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan huskies
Lead Dog(s): Swirl, Wags, Tots & Dick
Number of Years Racing: 7

Where have you raced?

Upper MI, Wisconsin, Minnesota


Have a training or race experience to share?

Excited to be coming back to the Midnight Run. The downtown start is always electric and the trail is a blast.

Lynne Witte, Cheboygan, MI


Kennel Name: Iskristall
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskey
Lead Dog(s): Keetna Rossi
Number of Years Racing: 13

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

In 2000 I represented teacher educators along trail at Iditarod. I always enjoyed the outdoors - canoeing and cross country skiing. Once I got my first Alaskan husy started skijoring then transitioned to sleds. 


Where have you raced?

Yukon Quest 300, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire


Have a training or race experience to share?

Racing the Quest 300 leaving Whitehorse and the vast Yukon River was so spectacular.

Joann Fortier, Gaylord, Michigan


Kennel Name: Coyote Run Sled Dog Kennel
Sponsors: UpNorth Land Company, Northwood Land Company
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskies
Lead Dog(s): Remi, Maverick and Finn
Number of Years Racing: 27

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I always wanted to have a sled dog team since watching Susan Butcher win the Iditarod on the news in the 80's


Where have you raced?

Midnight Run, Beargrease 120, Hiawatha, Tahquamenon, Copper Dog, Apostle Islands, and many more races over the last 27 years.


Have a training or race experience to share?

I will never forget racing the Midnight Run during the 2015 blizzard. 72 mph winds blew me and my entire team off the trail while we were running in a complete white out next to Lake Superior. It was pretty epic!

Larry Fortier, Gaylord, Michigan


Kennel Name: Coyote Run Kennel
Sponsors: UpNorth Land Company
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Rey, Grizzly
Number of Years Racing: 25

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

I married Joann


Where have you raced?

Tahquamenon, CopperDog, MNR, Beargrease Mid, Hiawatha among many others.


Have a training or race experience to share?

Mushers have short memories.

Brian Bergen, Sioux Lookout, Ontario


Kennel Name: Gone To The Dogs
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Number of Years Racing: 11

Where have you raced?

I have raced primarily in northern Minnesota as well as the U.P. Races that I've ran include the Copper Dog, Beargrease 120, Gunflint Mail Run and Wolftrack Classic in Ely!


Have a training or race experience to share?

I have many fond memories of mushing however I cannot recall a story to share at the moment.

Eva Kolodji, Hibbing, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Meander Mountain Huskies
Sponsors: Vermillion Veterinary Clinic
Major Breed or Bloodline: Some of everything!
Lead Dog(s): Sherlock, Watson, Siggy and Dutton
Number of Years Racing: Many!

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

My love of sleddogs began back when I was in second grade when I got my first sleddogs, then competed in a two-dog, two-mile race in third grade. Thanks to many different mushers in the area I was able to continue and grow with my team.


Where have you raced?

I competed in a variety of races throughout northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan when I was in high school. Last winter, I raced the Beargrease Mid-Distance, Midnight Run, Gunflint Mail Run, and the WolfTrack!


Have a training or race experience to share?

The starting line of the UP200/Midnight Run is unforgettable! I'm so excited to be back again! 

Breann Maillet-Goodfellow, Sioux Lookout, Ontario


Kennel Name: Gone To The Dogs
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskies
Number of Years Racing: 1

Where have you raced?

I have raced in Ely Minnesota at the Wolf Track Classic!


Have a training or race experience to share?

I'm still a rookie when it comes to the sport of mushing, can't recall a story to share at the moment! 

Ryan Roberts, Wetmore, Michigan


Kennel Name: Spirit Dream Racing
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Drake, Apollo, Mac
Number of Years Racing: 6

How or why did you get involved in Sled Dog Racing?

My wife Jana wanted to start mushing to follow me into the backcountry. I attempted skijoring and found a sled to be a lot safer and more fun.


Where have you raced?

Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Michigan


Have a training or race experience to share?

I love the challenge and peaceful atmosphere of running at night. The trust that the dogs will give the musher is humbling.