ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Iditarod Trail Committee announced the second-ever class of inductees into the Iditarod Hall of Fame Monday, including several pioneering visionaries for the race and a handful of four-time champions who stamped their name into race history.
The second annual induction ceremony will take place on Oct. 15 at the Alaska Aviation Museum during the Legends of Iditarod Gala, according to the Iditarod Trail Committee. The inductees stretch across multiple categories, including people involved with the race’s founding as well as mushers.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class was broken up into five categories:
Founders Class
- Dick Mackey – A “visionary behind the creation of the Iditarod,” Mackey competed in the inaugural race in 1973 and won it in 1978.
- John Norman – An early legal and organizational advisor for the Iditarod.
- Leo Rasmussen – A founding leader of the Iditarod Trail Committee.
- Dick Tozier – An early figure in organizing and promoting the Iditarod during its early years. Tozier also served as race marshal.
Musher Class
- DeeDee Jonrowe – A beloved musher who raced for more than 30 years with multiple top-10 finishes, including a pair of runner-ups in the 1990s. Known for her bright pink flair on her mushing outfits.
- Doug Swingley – The first musher from outside Alaska to win the Iditarod in 1995. Added three more wins in 1999-2001.
- Ally Zirkle – Earned three straight runner-up finishes from 2012-14. Known for her “determination, consistency, and exceptional dog care,” according to Iditarod.
Canine Class
- Andy – One of Rick Swenson’s lead dogs.
- Granite – One of the “cornerstone leaders of Susan Butcher’s legendary teams.”
Volunteer Class
- Bob Sept – Former president of the Iditarod Board and a volunteer veterinarian.
- Cheryl Zachary – A volunteer whose “commitment behind the scenes has helped ensure the success of the race.”
Contributor Class
- Iditarod Air Force – The team of volunteer pilots who transport dog food, straw, veterinarians and more, despite challenging conditions.
The class of 2026 follows one year after the inaugural class, which saw six names inducted into the hall, including Rick Swenson, Libby Riddles, Susan Butcher, Martin Buser, Jeff King, and Lance Mackey…