2008 Iditarod Musher Profile

Zoya DeNure is a 29 year old native of Madison, Wisconsin who moved to Alaska in 2002 to race sled dogs and compete in the Iditarod. The former international fashion model left a successful modeling career in order to race sled dogs in Alaska. Zoya worked as a handler in 2003 before gathering her own team of dogs, some purchased, many rejected from other kennels. She is the owner and Chair of Crazy Dog Kennel and Canine Rescue, a non-profit organization and racing kennel that focuses on the training and rehabilitation of unwanted sled dogs. The Gin-Gin 120, a middle distance women's sled dog race, was organized by Zoya in 2005 to encourage the entry of women into the sport. Her goal is to be a competitive racer while bringing attention to the need to properly care for, train and socialize all sled dogs. She has competed in several mid-distance races placing in the top five of the field over the past three years and finishing the 2006 Chatanika 200 in second place. Zoya enjoys traveling, music, hiking, mountain biking, making jewelry and spending time with friends and family. Zoya and her husband, John Schandelmeier, reside at Maclaren River, mile 42 on the Denali Highway. Zoya will be competing in her first Iditarod with a mixed team of her own race and rescue dogs.