HUMAN

Name: Julie Ahnen

Residence: I live on Brushkana River near Cantwell, Alaska, on the Denali Highway

Age: 25

Occupation: I’m a wildland firefighter

Years involved with Iditarod: This is my rookie year

Iditarod Role: Musher

Current Location: Lakefront Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska
Date of Photo: March 3, 2022

Temperature: 68 F Indoors

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I first became involved with Iditarod when I started working with Jesse Holmes four years ago. I’ve helped him train for Iditarod his second year running the race. And every year since then, I started running some mid-distance races, did my qualifiers, and decided to sign up this year.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

I’m here today and involved with Iditarod because I love spending time on the trail with my dogs and exploring all the wild and beautiful places of Alaska.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences.

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was learning about it for the first time when I was in fifth grade with my teacher, Mrs. Maumberg and we got to pick a musher and follow them throughout the race. And I just remember how exciting … And I had so much wonder and I so curious about it all. And it’s all come full circle, and here I am today.

What do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is that dogs are the most loyal being on planet Earth, and they will love you regardless of what happens, and will always do right by you.