Ellie Claus ran the Jr. Iditarod four times, finishing eighth, fifth and eighth and in 2003, first. In 2000, she was the rookie of the year and in 2002, she received both the sportsmanship award and the humanitarian award. She is a two-time champion of the Jr. Yukon Quest. She was the youngest person to run the Jr. Iditarod and will be the youngest person to run the Iditarod this year when she starts the Iditarod 12 days after her 18th birthday. Ellie says, “I have grown up at a remote lodge in the Wrangell St Elias National Park. I have been working toward running this Iditarod since I was nine and got my first dogs somewhat by mistake. I have been home schooled all my life, which has allowed me to live in such a remote and amazing place and to be able to pursue my mushing career. This summer I am working on getting my pilots license while also working at my family’s lodge. I am the only musher in my family, but they have been my biggest supporters and have made it possible for me to reach my dream. My future holds many possibilities, but right now my focus is on Iditarod 2004. She says she enjoys kayaking, writing, traveling and bush flying.