by Greg Lincoln
There are 18 mushers signed up for the 2021 Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race that will be taking place starting on February 12th, 2021. The list features past champions of both the K300 and the Iditarod as well as our local musher friends.
Entered into the race from the host community of Bethel are Pete Kaiser, the winner of five K300 races, and the 2019 Iditarod Champion; Jessica Klejka who has two Iditarods under her belt, and Nate DeHaan who will be racing in his first K300.
From Aniak we have Richie Diehl, the 2021 reigning champion of the Bogus Creek 150; and Isaac Underwood who will be racing in his sixth K300.
Kwethluk’s Lewis Pavila will be racing, he is a four-time champion of the Bogus Creek 150. This year will be his first run in the K300.
And Fr. Alexander Larson of Napaskiak will also be racing. He placed fourth in the 2021 Bogus Creek 150 and is a champion of both the Bogus Creek and Akiak Dash.
Mushers will start arriving this week and will be following COVID-19 policies and guidelines to ensure the safety of the YK region and K300 participants.
“The 2021 K300 is going to be very different than in previous years. Most notably, it is likely that some or all checkpoints will be established outside of villages with no access to village infrastructure,” says the K300 race rules.
Have a great race and best wishes to all!
For musher profiles, see page 8.
