Photo by Whitney McLaren

Lauro Eklund first became interested in dog mushing while spending his childhood on the Yukon river. His father, Neil, used dogs for transportation and animal trapping, outside of training for the Iditarod which he ran twice, in the 1980s. His father’s stories of camping and traveling in the Northwest Arctic, and the 'old timers' he encountered, piqued Lauro's interest in entering the Kobuk 440 someday. He received his first dog from Lester Erhart in Tanana, and has since developed a kennel. He and his father run tours and train at Skookum Expeditions in Two Rivers, outside of Fairbanks. He recently received the Sportsmanship award at the 2023 Yukon Quest 550, along with a "Funniest Finish" award at the Copper Basin 300 (because snow from the finish sign fell on his head). He hopes to run a competitive race and qualify for the Iditarod, but most importantly, he would like to see his dogs happy and healthy. He’d like to thank Dennis Stead, Annie Dargan, Miguel, his partner, Virginia, friends and Family.

Kennel: Skookum Expeditions Handler(s): Neil Eklund, Virginia Ely Age: 26 Location: Fairbanks, AK Started Mushing: 2014 Number of Dogs: 14 Key Dogs: Frodo and Borrmirr Sponsors: Filson, Pleasant Valley Store & Trailside Mail, friends/family Other Races: Two Rivers 100/200, Copper Basin 300, Solstice, Yukon Quest 200/300/550