Photo courtesy of Richie Diehl

Richie Diehl was born and raised in the Southwestern Alaska community of Aniak. He first became interested in dog mushing because his dad always ran dogs while he was growing up. He began mushing in 2008, and now runs Real Diehl Racing. He has competed in the Kuskokwim 300 race numerous times, taking first place in 2021, and has been a top Iditarod finisher several times with a 6th place title in 2022 and a third place title in 2023. He is also a returning Kobuk 440 competitor, having placed a close second last year. This year, he is looking forward to seeing folks in Kotzebue and the villages along the trail. He would like to thank Ryan Air and Northern Air Cargo for getting his dogs and gear to Kotzebue; The Fairbanks family for always being great hosts; The Hanson family for logistical help, and his family back in Aniak for looking after the kennel while he's racing.

Kennel: Real Diehl Racing Handler: Self Age: 37 Started Mushing: 2008 Location: Aniak, Alaska Number of Dogs: 12
​Key Dogs: Bruiser and Meyer Other Races: Iditarod, Kuskokwim 300, PJM 450 Sponsors: Ryan Air, The Hound House Restaurant, Northern Air Cargo, Lake Union Escrow, Erich Kuball, Ken Acton, Odd Man Rush Brewing, Bush Tell, Inc., Drew’s Foundation, Dr. Carson’s Knik Veterinary Clinic, Dave & Esther Diehl, Mike & Dana Martz, Robert & Theresa Donhauser, Grant & Debbie Fairbanks, Gonders & May Hoffman, Rich & Robin Macri, John Wallace, Vicki Sebastiani, The Kaiser Family, and Paul Hansen. Awards: 2021 Kuskokwim 300 Champion, Herbie Nayokpuk Award (Iditarod)