We are saddened to share the news that former Iditarod musher Paul Gebhardt, age 67, passed away this last Saturday after a battle with cancer that started in 2017.
Born and raised on a family farm in central Minnesota, Paul had taken care of animals his whole life, so taking up dog mushing after moving to Alaska in 1989 seemed natural. Paul ran his first Iditarod in 1996 and ran the race 20 more times after that, earning his team eight Top-10 finishes and a multitude of Special Awards, including the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award.
Our condolences go out to Paul’s family, his two daughters, his friends, followers and the entire mushing community.
Wednesday March 14, 2007 —- Paul Gebhart at the Nome finish
Paul Gebhardt team leaves the start line during the restart day of Iditarod 2009 in Willow, Alaska
Paul Gebhart runs down the trail in Ptarmigan Valley six miles after leaving the Rainy Pass checkpoint during the 2010 Iditarod, Southcentral Alaska
Paul Gebhart enjoys his 7-course meal by the Millenium hotel in Ruby for being the first musher to the Yukon River. Paul’s dining guest is 1975 Iditarod champion Emmitt Peters of Ruby.
Paul Gebhart on the trail nearing Nome in foggy conditions. End of the 2005 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Paul Gebhart at the half-way Iditarod checkpoint. 2005 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
