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Jessie Holmes Wins Longest-Ever Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

The former reality TV star and carpenter completed the grueling 1,129-mile race in 10 days, earning his first victory in eight attempts.

  • Jessie Holmes, known for his time on the show 'Life Below Zero,' claimed victory in the 53rd Iditarod, the longest in the race's history at 1,129 miles.
  • Holmes finished the race in 10 days, 14 hours, 55 minutes, and 41 seconds, crossing the finish line in Nome, Alaska, with a three-hour lead over the second-place musher.
  • This marks Holmes' first Iditarod win after previously finishing in the top 10 five times, including third place in 2022 and 2024, and earning Rookie of the Year in 2018.
  • A lack of snow forced changes to the route and starting point, extending the race beyond its usual 1,000 miles and presenting additional challenges for the mushers.
  • Holmes credited his 10-dog team, particularly lead dogs Hercules and Polar, for the victory, describing the experience as 'magical' and reflective of the journey's highs and lows.
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