Musher Details

Jason Mackey, 54, (Veteran) was born and raised in Alaska. He is married to Lisa Mackey and they have two children, Patrick and Jason. Jason’s Kennel, Mackey’s TopNotch Comeback Kennel, houses 50 dogs in Fox, Alaska. In addition to Jason’s 10 Iditarod starts and 9 finishes, he has raced in the Kuskokwim 300, Kobuk 440 ,T-200, Copper Basin 300, Knik 200, Tiagia 300, Klondike 300, Yukon Quest 300, Two Rivers 200, Tug 120, T-100, Sheep Mountain 150, and Sheep Creek 50/50. Raised in a mushing family, Jason says, “I have had great pleasure working with the best in the sport: my dad and all three of my late brothers, Lance, Rick, and Bill.” In the early years of his mushing career, Jason credits Lavon Barve for being a great mentor and trainer to him. He also acknowledges the late Paul Gebhardt, “a great friend and training buddy,” as well as Ramie Redington. Jason says, “The list goes on. The old school mushers, they’re all my heroes and who I genuinely admire and respect. Dean and Tim Osmar are two of the best in my book.” The most enjoyable part of the Iditarod for Jason “is when the team is at its best, and there’s clear skies, cold temperature and things are looking great. It’s an indescribable feeling. Then there’s always the unknown–Mother Nature has been not so nice at times and it’s always enjoyable to see the team conquer what she has to offer! Sometimes it’s a learning curve for me and the team, but that’s mushing!” Jason enjoys berry picking in the fall, riding his motorcycle, and fishing with his family and friends. Jason has worked as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver.

Social Media: Mackey’s TopNotch Comeback Kennel

SPONSORS:

Black Gold Transport
Vet Stem
Lobben Boots
Sean and April Gilchrist
Wayne and Leanne Tomlinson
Matt Graham