The Jr. Iditarod began as a dream fifty years ago. Young mushers in the Knik area were camped on Nine-Mile Hill and started talking about a race for their age group that would help prepare them for the Iditarod. One thing led to another and now the Jr. Iditarod is the race kids beg their parents to participate in.
It’s likely the four 2026 rookies have been focusing on doing the Jr. Iditarod for quite some time. They’ve invested an incredible amount of time into building their skills and training their dogs. Family support is integral in getting these young mushers to the trail, something each of these rookies will attest to. Along with family they are also mentored by established mushers, mushers who are giving back to the sport.
Let’s meet the rookie class of 2026.
Rosemary Maixner, age 14, is from Wasilla. Rosemary considers mushing to be an excellent sport to build her own grit and determination. Checking the Iditarod archives, her father Kelly, has completed eight Iditarod runs between 2011 and 2023 where he achieved a best finish of 6th place. Rosemary is sponsored by both Redington Mushing – Ryan Redington and Sarah Keefer and Tailwind Kennel – Jessica Klejka and Sam Brewer. The eighth grader attends American Charter Academy. Her future plans include the US Coast Guard Academy. Along with mushing, she enjoys swimming, hiking and running.
Thale Randall, age 14 is from Willow. The Randalls became involved with sled dogs after his older sister AddieAnne experienced the thrill of the sport while running a team of Iditarod veteran Robert Bundtzen’s retired dogs. After that, the Randalls began acquiring dogs and Rock on Racing was formed. Home to 50 Alaskan Huskies, known as the Rock Stars, Mom, Dad and the kids all enjoy time on the runners. Home schooling offers both Thale and his sister, AddieAnne the freedom to live in and learn from the out-of-doors through exploring, adventuring, mushing, hunting and fishing. Thale started mushing at the age of eight with his first competition being a two-dog event. Since then he’s competed in many races including the ACE Race, the Sheep Creek 50 and the Willow Junior 100 which he won in 2025. Thale maintains a trap line that he runs with his dog team and enjoys hunting, mountain running and exploring. After he graduates, he wants to pursue a career in the outdoors which would include the things he loves best – mushing, flying, air craft maintenance and guiding. Earlier this year, Thale captured his second consecutive Willow Jr. 100 Championship.
Sam Perez, age 16, of Anchorage is a junior at West High. Sam started sprint racing at the age of 4 and has entered competitions every year since. Last year, Sam decided to transition to distance racing. Previously he’s trained with Lev Shvarts. Now for the 2026 season he’s running dogs from Jim Lanier’s Northern Whites Kennel and Alex Moore’s 444 Kennel. Iditarod and Rhondy veteran Matt Paveglio has been coaching Sam in preparation for his 2026 races, the Willow Jr. 100, Jr. World championship Sprint races and the Jr. Iditarod. Sam finished 5th in the 2026 Willow Jr. 100. When not on the runners, Sam likes to mountain bike, snow board and ski. After high school, he plans to attend college and earn a degree in biology.
Stanley Robinson, age 14, of Nenana rounds out the rookie class of Jr. Iditarod 2026. Stanley was born into a mushing family and has been running dogs since the age of three. His father acquired dogs more than 20 years ago in northern Michigan. After high school he made his way to Alaska to race and finished his rookie Iditarod in 2001. Robinson Racing has been in the headlines for the past 4 years thanks to Stanley’s older sister Emily. Now as a young junior racer, Stanley is poised to make his own headlines. The homeschooled 8th grader has gained previous race experience at the 2024 and 2025 Willow Jr. 100 and the 2025 Knik 100. Along with mushing, he enjoys hunting, fishing and trapping. Stanley place 2nd in the 2026 Willow Jr. 100.
Comeback tomorrow to meet some of the veterans participating in the 2026 Jr. Iditarod.
