52 mushers have signed up so far for the 2017 Iditarod. Sign-ups opened on June 24th and include a lengthy list of top names and newcomers.
2016 Iditarod champion, Dallas Seavey, is set to race alongside his father, Mitch Seavey. Western Alaska veterans Pete Kaiser of Bethel and Richie Diehl of Aniak are also set to compete.
Some other big names signed-up over the weekend, including nine of the top ten finishers from last year’s race. Aliy Zirkle and Jeff King will return alongside Wade Marrs, Joar Ulsom, Nicolas Petit, and Ralph Johannessen.
Lance Mackey will attempt another comeback after scratching last year, and “arm-chair” musher Sebastian Schneulle will also be coming out of retirement for the upcoming 2017 race.
A total of 40 veterans and 12 rookies have signed up so far. Mushers have until December 1st to throw their hats in the ring.