Former reality television star Jessie Holmes clinched victory in the longest-ever Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Friday, celebrating with enthusiastic fist pumps to a cheering crowd. He posed for photos alongside his lead dogs, Hercules and Polar, who were adorned with floral wreaths.
Holmes was the first to cross the finish line in Nome, the historic Gold Rush town on the Bering Sea coast. The race, which typically spans 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers), was extended to a grueling 1,129 miles (1,817 kilometers) this year due to a lack of snow, forcing a route change and a new starting point in Fairbanks on March 3.
He completed the grueling journey through the Alaskan wilderness in 10 days, 14 hours, 55 minutes, and 41 seconds.
“It’s hard to put into words, but it’s a magical feeling,” Jessie Holmes said shortly after crossing the finish line in Nome. “It’s not about this moment now. It’s about all those moments along the trail.”
Holmes, who was competing in the Iditarod for the eighth time, had consistently performed well in previous races. He had finished in the top 10 five times, including securing third place in both 2022 and 2023. His journey in the Iditarod began in 2018, when he impressed many with a seventh-place finish, earning him the prestigious Rookie of the Year honors.
This year, the race was particularly grueling due to its unprecedented length of 1,129 miles (1,817 kilometers), a result of the lack of snow that forced race officials to alter the traditional route and move the starting point to Fairbanks. Despite the additional challenges, Holmes endured the brutal conditions of the Alaskan wilderness and emerged victorious.
Trailing behind Holmes in second place was Matt Hall, a seasoned musher who was born and raised in Eagle, a tiny village on the Yukon River in eastern Alaska. Hall, who began mushing at the astonishingly young age of 2, was practically raised on the trail. His parents operated an expedition company, and he grew up surrounded by sled dogs, regularly guiding weeklong trips for clients.
After crossing the finish line just three hours after Holmes, Hall reflected on the difficulty of this year’s extended route. “It was too long,” he said with a laugh, acknowledging the physical and mental strain the added mileage imposed on the competitors.
Holmes’ own journey to Alaska is a testament to his adventurous spirit and deep passion for the wild. Born and raised in Alabama, he left his home state at the age of 18 and spent three years working as a carpenter in Montana. In 2004, he finally made his way to Alaska, where he found his calling in the remote wilderness, running dogs along the Yukon River.
“It’s been a truly amazing 10 days, and I soaked in every part of it—the lows, the highs, the in-betweens,” Holmes said, reflecting on his race experience. “I’m really proud of these dogs, and I love them. And they did it. They deserve all the credit.”
Among his loyal team, two lead dogs played an especially vital role in his success. Holmes gave a heartfelt tribute to his star canines, Hercules and Polar. He described Hercules as a half-sprint dog, known for his speed, while crediting Polar for his intelligence and decision-making on the trail. “He’s the brains behind the operation,” Holmes said of Polar.
Currently, Holmes resides in Nenana, Alaska, where he continues his work as a carpenter while living a subsistence lifestyle, relying on hunting, fishing, and trapping for survival. From 2015 to 2023, he was also a well-known cast member of Life Below Zero, a National Geographic documentary series that captures the harsh realities and challenges of life in remote Alaska.
This year’s Iditarod faced several complications beyond the extended distance. Due to a lack of snow in areas north of the Alaska Range, race organizers had to relocate the official starting point to Fairbanks. The ceremonial start, traditionally held in Anchorage, was also affected. Since the city had little to no natural snow, trucks had to bring in snow to cover the streets for the parade of mushers.
As a result, the usual ceremonial route was significantly shortened from 11 miles (18 kilometers) to under 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). Additionally, the number of dogs participating in the ceremonial start was reduced.
The 2024 race saw a historically small field, with only 33 mushers taking part—tying with 2023 for the lowest number of competitors in Iditarod history. This decline in participation has sparked concerns about the future viability of the race. Organizers have faced mounting challenges, including rising inflation, the impacts of climate change, and ongoing pressure from animal rights organizations.
Tragically, this year’s race was marred by the death of a dog. A pregnant female belonging to musher Daniel Klein passed away during the competition. Under race rules, Klein was required to scratch from the event due to the loss of his dog.
Nearly a third of the mushers were unable to complete the race. Eight competitors voluntarily scratched due to exhaustion or injury, while two others were withdrawn by race officials for failing to maintain a competitive pace.
Despite the grueling conditions and challenges, the 2024 Iditarod remained a test of endurance, skill, and the unbreakable bond between mushers and their dogs. For Holmes, the victory was not just about crossing the finish line first—it was a culmination of years of dedication, an unyielding love for his dogs, and a deep respect for the rugged Alaskan wilderness.