March 8th, yesterday, was not only the Restart of Iditarod 54 but also International Day of the Woman. With the excitement of getting 37 teams out onto the trail, International Day of the Woman took a back seat. The day is set aside to celebrate and bring awareness to women’s topics like gender equity. Having Mary Shields as the Honorary Musher for this race was Iditarod’s nod to the important role women have played in the race.
Iditarod has always been known as a sporting event where women participate right alongside their male counterparts. During the history of the race, women have won 5 of the 53 races. Each year more women achieve top ten status and yes, there are women in every race, especially this one who are capable of taking the championship.
So even being a day late, it’s fitting to remember and salute the great women of Iditarod and their accomplishments. From the first woman to finish Iditarod Mary Shields (1974) to two time Red Lantern recipient Cindy Abbott (2015 & 2017) there are so many strong women mushers who serve as role models for girls and women. Lolly Medley, Pam Flowers, Libby Riddles, Susan Butcher, DeeDee Jonrowe, Aliy Zirkle are only a few of the Iditarod legends that have inspired others.
In 2026, twelve women started the Iditarod. Veteran Jessie Royer is running her 22nd Iditarod and has finished in the top 10 nine times. Michelle Phillips is doing her 14th Iditarod with 4th place in 2025, her only top 10 finish. Paige Drobny is on her 11th Iditarod with a best finish of 3rd in 2025. From Denmark, Mille Porsild, running her 7th Iditarod has four top 10 finishes with her best being 5th in 2021. Josy (Thyr) Shelly, the reigning Yukon Quest Alaska 750 champion, is on her second Iditarod with a previous best finish of 15th in 2024. Hanna Lyrek, also doing her second Iditarod placed 19th in 2022. Gabe Dunham doing her 4th Iditarod is hoping to make this her second finish and improve from 18th place. Sydnie Bahl and Brenda Mackey are hoping to finally earn the Iditarod Finisher’s Belt Buckle after previous scratches as rookies. Jody Potts-Joseph, Sadie Lindquist and Jaye Foucher are all true rookies in 2026.
Emily Robinson, age 18, who last year captured her fourth Jr. Iditarod Championship is inspiring others as she works hard to succeed in the challenging world of mushing. In the years to come, Emily will perhaps take on the Iditarod following in the footsteps of a woman she knew and admired – Mary Shields.
Listening to musher interviews on Insider is the best way to follow the race from the comfort of your home. This afternoon Bruce Lee interviewed Jessie Royer after she arrived in Finger Lake off a windswept trail. Jessie casually said, “I lost my team for the first time ever in Iditarod.” She’s had 21 starts and 21 finishes so that covers about 21,000 miles. She went on to explain that she had new mittens to keep her hands warm but they unfortunately were slippery. On the way to Finger Lake her sled dropped into one of the many holes in the trail and her feet slipped off the sled runners. Jessie being a pro, would never let go of the sled. She was being drug along on her stomach but with those slick mittens she lost her grip and was left lying face down on the trail as the team kept going. The words of a song she had heard popped into her mind, “Jesus, take the wheel.” While she ran after her team, her prayer was, “Oh Lord, please stop them” as the words, “Jesus, take the wheel” continued playing in her head. After running about ¼ of a mile she reached her team. The sled had tipped over and was hung up on a tree. Royer said not a single dog or line was tangled. Her prayer was answered, Jesus took the wheel and Jessie recovered her team, none the worse for wear.
As of 1800 on Monday evening, eleven teams have departed Puntilla Lake to make the trek up Rainy Pass, reaching an elevation of 3,200 feet before descending to the interior via the Dalzell Gorge. Three of those making the run at this hour are fearless strong women – Paige Drobny, Mille Porsild and Michelle Phillips.
Celebrate the lives and gifts of these incredible women along with their outstanding achievements. Take time to acknowledge the women in your life who have been inspirational.
