2008 Iditarod Musher Profile

Kjetil Backen, 38, was born and raised in Norway. He began mushing in 1996 and ran mid distance races in Norway. He became interested in the Iditarod because he wanted to run longer races than were in Norway. A service technician for the last 16 years, Kjetil says he enjoys fishing and hunting. He is married to Ingrid and they have two children: Emil Andreas, age 7 and Helene, age 6.