Photo by Albert Marquez

Jessie Holmes was born and raised in Alabama, and came to Alaska in 2004. Soon after, he began running dogs on the Yukon River, using a dog team to haul wood, hunt, fish, and haul water. 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”. Most recently, he placed third in the 2022 Iditarod and fifth in 2023. In this year's race he looks forward to getting to visit with all his friends along the trail, and taking in some of the most beautiful country in the world while running a team of stellar athletes. He'd like to thank Kelsey Winters and James Foster for all their help back at home.

Kennel: Team Can't Stop Handler: Kelsey Age: 41  Started Mushing: 2005 Location: Cantwell, Alaska  Number of Dogs: 12 Key Dogs: Odin and Polar Sponsors: Simard Automotive and Sea Fur Sewing Other Races: Kuskokwim 300 (5x, Best: Third), Iditarod (6x, Best: Third) Awards: 2017 Kobuk 440 Champion, 2018 Iditarod Rookie of the Year