Since the age of 15, Connor McMahon has been engaged in activities involving dogs, but his attention shifted completely towards working with sled dogs following that initial experience.
What is your full name?
Connor Lee Lockhart McMahon
Do you have a kennel name?
Feral Racing
How old are you?
32
Where were you brought up?
Ontario Canada
Where do you live now?
Carcross Yukon Territory -winter/ Dawson City Yukon Territory summer
How many sled dogs do you own?
20
How long have you owned sled dogs?
5 years
What races have you competed in?
Yukon quest races, Percy de Wolfe , Yukon journey , Caledonia Classic , Canadian Challenge
What’s your greatest achievement so far?
Yukon Quest 450 spirit of the north award
Has it always been a dream to run the Iditarod?
Indirectly perhaps I have always dreamed of trail travel
What made you decide that 2024 would be the year to sign up for the race?
We have been working and aiming for this year when we first started and everything seemed to fall into place this summer and we are very grateful.
What can you tell me about your team?
They are all within two years old of each other and have been together since birth so they get along pretty well and have some pretty funny dynamics worked out!
Do you have a website?
It will be up shortly
Do you have sponsors?
Klondike Cream and Candy / Dogs Choice Premium dog food/ Real Canadian dollar store whitehorse/ Manmat harness/ Baffin boots/Â Aurora Booties
Do you have your own merch?
Not right now
Do you look up to a specific musher?
I look up too all mushers and I’m very grateful to live so close to many knowledgeable ones.
Have you handled for a Veteran musher in the past?
Aaron Peck for two years he got me hooked and taught me alot
Have you won any awards during a race?
Yes a sportsmanship and top rookie award in the 2021 Percy de wolfe and spirit of the north award Yukon Quest 450
What’s your fastest finish time in a race?
Well its 3 minutes and 34 seconds and it was a 1 mile bikejoring race pretty fun mile
How are you preparing for your first Iditarod?
Lots of camping and lots of checklists is what I am seeing for this winter
What do you think you can expect from Iditarod?
I am of course expecting the unexpectedÂ
What’s the best advice you have received regarding mushing?
I think it is the first advice anyone gets and it is the most important ! DONT LET GO!!
Who gave you that advice?
Aaron Peck
Are you from a mushing background?
No
Do you have any friends who are also dog mushers?
Yes I for sure do its a lot of fun to mush with friends
What do you think of last year’s Rookie of the Year Eddie Burke jr?
What an amazing job he did
Is there a certain part of the Iditarod trail you are looking forward to? Like maybe the beautiful scenery from the Yukon River or the food from Takotna checkpoint?
Yea I cant choose im very excited about all of it
Is there any part of the Iditarod trail you are nervous about like the Bering sea coast or the Steps?
Yup once again ill have to say all of it again
What kind of things do you like to do?
If i am not on the runners or with the dogs I want to be on the water in some form of boat
What is your favourite food?
Most definitely fish any kind any way
What is your favourite drink?
80% chocolate 20% strawberry milkshake from Klondike Cream and Candy
What is your favourite drink?
80% chocolate 20% strawberry milkshake from Klondike Cream and Kandy
What’s your favourite music?
Johnny Cash
What’s your favourite film?
Stand by me
What’s your favourite book?
A clockwork Orange
What’s your favourite pastime?
CanoeingÂ
What’s your favourite city?
Dawson City
What’s your favourite item of clothing?
Wool sweatersÂ
Do you have a lucky charm?
Wool sweaters make me feel very lucky
Thank you to Connor for taking time to answer our questions in the Meet the Rookie series.
We wish him the best of luck in the 2024 Iditarod.
You can follow his race on the Iditarod website.
