Photo courtesy of Jessie Holmes

Jessie Holmes was born and raised in Alabama, and came to Alaska in 2004. Soon after, he began running dogs on the Yukon River. His love for the wilderness and dogs eventually led him to compete in numerous sprint and distance races. He won the Kobuk 440 in 2017 and placed seventh in the 2018 Iditarod, earning the title “Rookie of the Year” in the same year. Most recently, he placed third in the 2022 Iditarod in March. He resides in the Interior community of Nenana, and his kennel is Team Can't Stop, featuring lead dogs Tempest and Rouge. His sponsors are Simard's automotive, Sea Fur Sewing, and Howling Dog Alaska. He would like to thank Julie, Jeremiah, and Braden.

​Follow Jessie in this year's Kobuk 440 here.