Justin High Wearing Bib #48 in the Ceremonial Start

When Justin first came to Alaska in 2009 to take a job as a handler, he had absolutely no mushing experience. Eight short years later, he’s had a lifetime of experiences and challenges and his dream of running the Iditarod is before him.

Justin met his wife, Jaimee Kinzer while they both worked as handlers for DeeDee Jonrowe. Justin and Jaimee signed up to do Iditarod in 2012. Justin withdrew prior to the race but Jaimee went to Nome. Later that year they were married.

Justin’s Leaders and Swing Dogs Charge into the Turn

The Highs established their own kennel in Willow. Jaimee signed up for the 2015 Iditarod but unfortunately that plan changed when the Highs lost their home to a house fire in December of 2014. They were in the process of rebuilding when the Willow Sockeye Fire took their home in June of 2015. Their daughter, Isadora Rose, was born in January of 2016. They are in their new home but say they are still putting things back together.

Justin is looking forward to his rookie run and hopes to add the “High” name to the list of husband and wife finishers of Iditarod. Justin and Jaimee own and operate an adventure clothing and equipment business. Many of their garments as well as sled bags and harnesses are on the mushing trails of Willow, the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod.

Justin was born in Illinois but raised in Michigan. Before moving to Alaska, Justin put his degree from Michigan Tech University in Applied Ecology and Mechanical Engineering to use as an operations manager for Cemex in Florida.

Justin enjoys fishing, camping, wood working and playing with Isadore. In the future, he looks forward to time on the trails with Jaimee, Isadore and their dogs.