Iditarod rookie Josi Thyr (bib #22) of Fairbanks, Alaska, won Rookie of the Year when she and her team crossed under the Burled Arch in 15th  place on March 13, at 9:43 p.m.  

She became the rookie with the best time in 2024, finishing in 10 days, 6 hours, 43 minutes and 37 seconds with 10 dogs in harness. 

“I started racing sled dogs in Idaho as a kid but always dreamed of doing the Iditarod,” Says Thyr.  “As a teenager I came up (to Alaska) and handled for Aaron Burmeister, then began working on qualifiers. Eventually I handled for Jessie Royer in Montana and completed my qualifiers. In the spring of 2023 I moved to Fairbanks and I’m very excited to be on my way to completing a twenty-year dream!”

The Rookie of the Year distinction comes with a beautiful trophy that will be presented at the FInisher’s Banquet, as well as an additional cash prize of $2,000.