As of 2:30 p.m. today, 22 mushers have officially entered the 2027 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which will kick off its 55th running in Anchorage on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
The field for the 2027 Iditarod is already shaping up to be highly competitive, featuring an impressive mix of returning champions, seasoned veterans, and promising rookies. Among the early entrants are several of the top finishers from the 2026 Iditarod, including second-place finisher Travis Beals, third-place finisher Jeff Deeter, sixth-place finisher Matt Hall, and seventh-place finisher Riley Dyche.
Joining them on the trail are veteran mushers Jessie Royer, Bailey Vitello, Mille Porsild, Sydney Bahl, Matthew Failor, Chad Stoddard, Hunter Keefe, Ebbe Pedersen, Amanda Otto, Joseph Sabin and many eager rookie Iditarod mushers. The current roster includes 15 Iditarod veterans and seven rookies, with a field comprised of 16 men and six women. As with all entries, applications for the 2027 Iditarod remain subject to review and approval by the Qualifying Review Board within 30 days of submission.
Last week, the Iditarod Trail Committee announced the continued support of Kjell Inge Røkke, Thomas Wærner, and their team for the 2027 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Through their extraordinary generosity, every rookie musher who signs up for the 2027 race will receive assistance covering 80% of their race entry fee, significantly reducing financial barriers for first-time competitors.
That generosity continued during today’s Sign-Up Picnic when longtime Iditarod supporter Frank Seigler donated the remaining 20% of the entry fee for four randomly selected rookie mushers. With five rookies in attendance, Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey of Turning Heads Kennel generously stepped forward to cover the remaining 20% for the fifth rookie, ensuring that every rookie attending the event received a fully sponsored race entry. It was an incredible show of support and an unforgettable welcome for the Iditarod Class of 2027.
Those unable to attend today’s event may still register for the 2027 Iditarod. The deadline to enter at the standard entry fee is Monday, November 30, 2026, after which the entry fee will increase. CLICK HERE to see the complete list of current entrants.
The annual Sign-Up Picnic featured the traditional drawing for two complimentary entries into the 2027 Iditarod. This year’s winners were Chad Stoddard and Hunter Keefe. Two additional complimentary entries were earned through outstanding performances during the 2026 race: Paige Drobny, recipient of the Hilcorp Alaska Most Inspirational Musher Award, and Riley Dyche, who received the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award presented by Pike Dog Wellness.
The Iditarod officially opened public nominations for the second annual Iditarod Hall of Fame. For the first time, fans, volunteers, mushers, and supporters are invited to nominate individuals whose achievements, perseverance, and pioneering spirit have left a lasting impact on the race and helped preserve the legacy of the Iditarod for future generations. Nominations are open from June 27 through July 14, 2026, and may be submitted at iditarod.com/IditaHappenings.
Today’s festivities also marked the launch of the 2026 Iditarod Summer Raffle, featuring more than $147,000 in cash prizes, including a grand prize of $100,050, two $10,000 prizes, and twenty-seven $1,000 prizes. The drawing will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Iditarod booth on the Green Trail during the Alaska State Fair. Winners do not need to be present to claim their prizes. Tickets may be purchased online at iditarod.com/gamesofchance or by calling or texting (907) 841-4578.
