Ex-reality star seeks second Iditarod win after grueling training

Jessie Holmes, who rose to fame on "Life Below Zero", aims to defend his Iditarod title amid pressure and changes to the race.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Jessie Holmes, an Alabama native who found his calling as a musher in Alaska, is set to compete in the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race after an intense training regimen in deep snow and bitter cold. Holmes, who won the Iditarod in 2025, faces the pressure of trying to repeat as champion, a feat only accomplished by two other mushers in the race's history.

Why it matters

The Iditarod is one of the most prestigious and challenging sled dog races in the world, testing the endurance and skill of both mushers and their teams of dogs. Holmes' quest to defend his title shines a light on the sport's rich history and the dedication required to succeed, even as the race faces changes like the introduction of an amateur "expedition" category.

The details

Holmes, who gained fame appearing on the reality show "Life Below Zero", had an unconventional path to competitive mushing. Growing up in Alabama, he was drawn to rescuing stray dogs, which eventually led him to discover his passion for the sport after seeing the 1972 film "Jeremiah Johnson." He moved to Alaska, living off the land and using his dogs to assist with tasks like hauling wood and water. Holmes entered his first Iditarod in 2018, finishing seventh and earning rookie of the year honors. He's been a top contender ever since, winning the race in 2025 and earning over $57,000 in prize money.

  • Holmes took off on Sunday, March 10, 2026 along with 33 other competitive mushers for the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
  • Holmes won the Iditarod in 2025.

The players

Jessie Holmes

An Alabama native who found his calling as a musher in Alaska, and is the defending champion of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Susan Butcher

A four-time Iditarod champion who won her second title the year after her first win.

Lance Mackey

A four-time Iditarod champion who won his second title the year after his first win.

Kjell Rokke

A Norwegian billionaire who is providing additional backing to the Iditarod this year by mushing in a new amateur or "expedition" category.

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What they’re saying

“I was always getting in trouble for bringing dogs home that I found on the streets and hiding them out in the woods and feeding them out of the fridge.”

— Jessie Holmes

“I thought, this is exactly what I want to do.”

— Jessie Holmes

“Deep snow. Ferocious winds. 40 below and colder. But that's nothing new to us out here. Instead of letting it break us, we let it sharpen us.”

— Jessie Holmes (Social media post)

“That's hard to put that on yourself because you got to live with that pressure every day. And if I do not make it, it is going to absolutely crush me.”

— Jessie Holmes (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The Iditarod race will conclude in the coming days, with the winner set to be determined.

The takeaway

Jessie Holmes' quest to defend his Iditarod title highlights the immense dedication and perseverance required to succeed in one of the world's most grueling sled dog races, even as the event faces changes and challenges. His story underscores the sport's rich history and the profound connection between mushers and their canine teammates.