Melinda D. Miles was born in Idaho on September 12, 1962 and raised in eastern Washington. She arrived in Anchorage in 1989 to practice family law. She began skijoring in 1996 and soon “slippery-sloped” into mushing with a three-dog team. Moving to Chugiak, she established Zuma Kennels in 2000 and completed her first race, the 2001 Denali 300, in 11th place. In 2002, she finished the Yukon Quest 250 in 7th place. Melinda set her sights on challenging the Copper Basin 300 in 2003. She finished that race at the “back of the pack,” and assisted her life partner, Carla Kelly, in getting the Red Lantern to qualify for Iditarod 2003. After Carla’s successful rookie run, Melinda is ready for her turn.

Melinda is a graduate of Syracuse University with a law degree. She lists her hobbies as raising the kids, Sam, 7, Suzanne, 5 and Ramey, 2, and running dogs.