10/18/2025
🚨 ANOTHER MUSHER JOINS IDITAROD 54! 🚨 We’re thrilled to welcome 13-time Iditarod veteran Michelle Phillips from Yukon Territory, Canada, to the 2026 roster!
Michelle strives for excellence in dog care and works year-round to promote the sport of dog mushing. She first became interested in mushing when she met her partner, Ed Hopkins — drawn to traveling through the North with elite canine athletes, Michelle has been running dogs for over two decades. 🐾
A two-time winner of the Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award, Michelle embodies the spirit of Herbie Nayokpuk, showing perseverance, heart, and dedication on every trail she runs. After finishing 4th in the 2025 Iditarod, Michelle is ready to take on the 2026 challenge!
We can’t wait to see Michelle and her team from Tagish Lake Kennel back on the trail this March!
👉 Meet Michelle and check out the full list of 2026 mushers: iditarod.com/race/2026/mushers