Races – Mackeys TopNotch Comeback Kennel

Everyone who studies dog mushing knows about the Iditarod. It’s the legendary 1049 mile race from Anchorage to Nome, but Rookie mushers need to have completed a qualifying mid-distance race in order to run the Iditarod. Some of the races below are qualifying races and also attract some of the most respected mushers.

“You can tell me I shouldn’t do something, but don’t tell me I can’t”

– Lance Mackey

Knik 200

The Knik 200, is called the Joe Redington Sr Memorial Sled Dog Race, in honour of the man who is known for being a founder member of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. As its name suggests it starts in Knik Alaska.

Next race : January 3rd 2026

Jason will be competing in this race.

Copper Basin 300

The CB 300 Sled Dog Race begins in downtown Glennallen, Alaska, at MP 188 of the Glenn Highway. It’s known as the toughest 300 miles in dog racing.

Next race : January 2026

Willow 300

The Willow 300 is no longer organised.

Jason will be competing in this race.

Kuskokwim 300

The Kuskokwim 300, or K300, is among the more highly regarded mid-distance dogsled races in Alaska, annually attracting some of the top mushers in the sport. The race starts and ends on the Kuskokwim River in Bethel, Alaska, and is run on and adjacent to its namesake river.

Next race : January 23rd 2026

Yukon Quest Alaska YQA750

The Yukon Quest from Fairbanks in Alaska to WhiteHorse in Canada was regarded as one of the toughest sled dog races in the world. Due to the international quarantine restrictions implemented during the Covid 19 pandemic, the race was split into seperate entities. The Canadian side kept the name (and website) of the Yukon Quest and the Alaskan side was renamed Yukon Quest Alaska. Both sides now have three races each.

Next race : February 7th 2026

Jason & Patrick will be competing in this race.

Iditarod

The Last Great Race on Earth, as it’s known is a gruelling trek from Anchorage to Nome, through the Interior and along the Bering Sea. This race is not for the faint hearted. Some of the greatest mushers of all time have competed in this race. Some have won it, some have won it multiple times. In 2023 Jason Mackey ran the Iditarod for the eighth time and was the recipient of the Red Lantern Award and the Most Inspirational Musher

Next race : March 7th 2026

Jason will be competing in this race.

Kobuk 440

The Kobuk 440 Sled Dog Race has taken place every spring since 1988. The Kobuk 440 Racing Association formed in 2011.

Next race : April 2nd 2026