1. 

David Burge, Brookston, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Dogwoods
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskies
Lead Dog(s): Molson, Kross, Kutzing, Ruth, Dells
Number of Years Racing: 2

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

I originally got into mushing from being a race volunteer at the Sawbill checkpoint at the Beargrease. To add to the excitement from that experience, my wife/kennel manager Cristen and I stayed with Deke Naaktgeboren on our honey moon where Deke gave us our first four sled dogs.


Where have you raced?

I have raced in 2 dog sprint races to 12 dog mid-distance races including the Beargrease 120, Jump River, the Knik 200, and the Wolf Track Classic.


Have a training or race experience to share?

My biggest claim to fame is getting the red lantern in the Beargrease120 and the Wolftrack in my first race year… it can only be up from there!


2. 

Keith Aili, Ray, Minnesota


Kennel Name: Miles Ahead Racing Kennel
Sponsors: Scott and Holly Lundberg
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Drobo and Rudolph
Number of Years Racing: 30+

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

I enjoy the outdoors.


Where have you raced?

Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Maine, Alaska


Have a training or race experience to share?

I'm looking forward to being back at the UP200.


3. 

Ryan Anderson, St. Croix, Minnesota


Kennel Name: AnderTier Racing
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Grout, Golden, Etta, Margo
Number of Years Racing: 30+

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

It just happened...


Where have you raced?

Mn, WI, MI, Montana, Id, WY, UT, ME, Ontario, Manitoba, Alaska 


Have a training or race experience to share?

It has always been great every time I come to the UP. Can't wait to get back!


4. 

Amy Dionne, Madawaska, Maine


Kennel Name: TrailBlazer Sled Dogs
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Pig Pen, Linus, Bikini, Kevin, Trigger
Number of Years Racing: 14

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

I got into dogs back in 2008. I bought a dog from a musher and he invited me for a dog sled ride, I was on the runners within 3 miles and running dogs by myself the next week. It's all history after that.


Where have you raced?

Maine and Canada


Have a training or race experience to share?

I have to many too lists. I once hallucinated tree houses and bridges coming into the Allagash checkpoint during Can Am.


5. 

Benjamin Amat, Houghton, Michigan


Kennel Name: Mushing Club at Michigan Tech: Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Husky
Lead Dog(s): Ares, Winchester, Torino
Number of Years Racing: 2

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

I first got involved in sled dog racing my freshman year at Michigan Tech with the Mushing Club. When I first visited the kennel, I was blown away by all of the dogs, and I got hooked. Being a person pursuing Veterinary School, it was an awesome opportunity to learn more about animal care.


Where have you raced?

I have raced in the Beargrease 40 in 2022, and at the time of the UP 200, I will have completed the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race 10 dog pro.


Have a training or race experience to share?

Over this past summer, I had the amazing experience of going to Alaska to run dryland dog tours the entire summer. It was a great experience to run the dogs that I run here in the UP every day, and to be able to mush other teams from around the country, especially the Iditarod kennels. It was also a great experience to meet mushers from around the country and to gain knowledge and experience from them. 


6. 

Kevin Mathis


Kennel Name: Go The Distance
Sponsors: Jets Meat and Cafe. Smitty's Oil & Tire, Mohn Fish Market
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan
Lead Dog(s): CC and Ruby. And King and Rocket.
Number of Years Racing: 8

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

My 7 year old son fabricated a sled and tied it to our golden retriever. To avoid injury to the dog or child, I bought a dog sled and here we are.


Where have you raced?

Montana, Maine, UP, Minnesota


Have a training or race experience to share?

Awesome to run down the lighted street at night for the UP200


7. 

Laura Neese


Kennel Name: MI DOG
Sponsors: Thank you to all of our dog sponsors!
Major Breed or Bloodline: Alaskan Huskies
Lead Dog(s): Ace, Chimp, Woodstove, Chilly, Razor, Envy, Fusion, Line
Number of Years Racing: 10

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

I fell in love with sled dogs when I was 9 through a homeschool project to follow the Iditarod!


Where have you raced?

I have raced in Alaska, the Yukon, Saskatchewan, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine.


Have a training or race experience to share?

I always love watching my dogs do what they love to do and travel down the trail!