Iditarod 2027 Musher Signup

June 27, 2026

22 mushers enter the running for the 2027 Iditarod on opening day

Wasilla, Alaska –

The field for the 2027 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is already beginning to take shape, with 22 mushers officially entered for the 55th running of the famous race.

The 2027 Iditarod is scheduled to begin in Anchorage on Saturday, March 6, 2027, continuing one of the most iconic traditions in long-distance sled dog racing.

Among the early entrants are several leading names from the 2026 Iditarod, including second-place finisher Travis Beals, third-place finisher Jeff Deeter, sixth-place finisher Matt Hall, and seventh-place finisher Riley Dyche.

The developing roster includes a strong mix of returning champions, experienced veterans, and first-time Iditarod mushers. Veteran names already signed up include Jessie Royer, Bailey Vitello, Mille Porsild, Sydney Bahl, Matthew Failor, Chad Stoddard, Hunter Keefe, Ebbe Pedersen, Amanda Otto, and Joseph Sabin.

The rookie class also includes Isaac Redington, great-grandson of Joe Redington Sr., the founding father of the Iditarod. His entry adds a strong historical connection to the 2027 race and continues the Redington family’s long association with the Last Great Race.

At the time of the sign-up update, the roster stood at 15 Iditarod veterans and seven rookies, made up of 16 men and six women. As with all Iditarod entries, applications remain subject to review and approval by the Qualifying Review Board within 30 days of submission.

The Iditarod Trail Committee had also announced continued support from Kjell Inge Røkke, Thomas Wærner, and their team for the 2027 race. Their backing means every rookie musher who signs up for the 2027 Iditarod will receive assistance covering 80% of their race entry fee.

That support was extended further during the annual Sign-Up Picnic, when longtime Iditarod supporter Frank Seigler donated the remaining 20% of the entry fee for four randomly selected rookie mushers. Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey of Turning Heads Kennel then stepped forward to cover the remaining 20% for a fifth rookie.

The result was that every rookie musher attending the event received a fully sponsored race entry, offering a significant boost to the new members of the Iditarod Class of 2027.

Mushers who were unable to attend the Sign-Up Picnic can still register for the 2027 race. The deadline to enter at the standard entry fee is Monday, November 30, 2026, after which the entry fee will increase.

The annual Sign-Up Picnic also included the traditional drawing for two complimentary entries into the 2027 Iditarod. This year’s winners were Chad Stoddard and Hunter Keefe.

Two further complimentary entries had already been earned through performances and recognition during the 2026 race. Paige Drobny received one after being named winner of the Hilcorp Alaska Most Inspirational Musher Award, while Riley Dyche earned his through the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award, presented by Pike Dog Wellness.