Local Musher Takes Home Rookie of the Year at Iditarod

Jesse Terry, a member of Lac Seul First Nation, took part in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska earlier this month and earned the title of Rookie of the Year.

Terry runs On the Land Sled Dogs in Sioux Lookout, Ont. He received the rookie trophy along with his team of 12 dogs after completing the tough race in 10 days and 23 hours.

“I’ll never forget it, and it just kind of filled my heart with pride and joy to have been able to accomplish this dream and to have done it so well and in such a good way,” said Terry.

“I’ve been back from the race for a good few days now, and it’s been a slow kind of recovery getting back into a normal schedule,” he added.

The Iditarod Sled Dog Race follows a trail that stretches 1600 kilometres. This year was the 54th running of this event, which aims to preserve the tradition of Alaskan sled dogs and the Iditarod Trail. The race kicked off on March 8 in Willow, just one day after the ceremonial start took place in Anchorage.

The course led dog teams and their mushers over two mountain ranges, along the frozen Yukon River, and across unpredictable Bering Sea ice.

A total of thirty-four competitive mushers started this year, matching the original count from 1973 for one of the lowest numbers in race history.

Focus on finishing with ‘happy and healthy’ dogs

<p“When you're out on the race trail on the Iditarod, you are only having a couple very short naps every day at maximum. And so sleep deprivation definitely takes its toll over the course of the race.”

Terry mentioned he faced some tough moments out there when he missed his family and thought about his kids.

Jesse Terry competed with his 12 dog team at the 54th running of the Iditarod. His dogs were rewarded with steaks at the end of nearly an 11-day trek. (Jesse Terry/Facebook)

To keep himself going, Terry reminded himself that these challenges were temporary. He often thought about competing while ensuring his dog team remained happy and healthy.

This positive mindset helped him when he was honored as Rookie of the Year.

“It’s a huge honour [for] me to have achieved that. It was definitely a goal of mine coming into this race to be rookie of the year since we have a dog team that’s capable,” said Terry.

“So it was really great. It was something that I wanted to achieve and that we worked really hard to make happen; having it actually happen was truly special.”

The award comes with $2000 USD prize money, which Terry plans to use for covering expenses related to traveling from northwestern Ontario to Alaska.

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“Jesse’s achievement in completing The Last Great Race with fastest rookie time reflects years spent dedicated to mushing as well as strong foundations built through family support, mentorship, and hard work,” reads their statement.>Jesse Terry poses with his Rookie of Year trophy at thе 2026 Idіtarod. (Jessе Tеrry/Facebook)>

“We celebrate Jesse not only for his success in thе Idіtarod but also for thе pride hе brings tо hіs community аnd First Nations acrоss оur territories. Hіs accomplishment is an inspiration tо young people аnd serves as а powerful example оf what can bе achieved thrоugh dedication, cultural connection аnd community support.”>

Terry mentioned he’s uncertain about competing again next year but indicated he might return to participate in future Iditarods sometime down тhe road.>

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