Métis citizen Connor McMahon and his dedicated team of dogs have accomplished a remarkable feat in the “Last Great Race on Earth,” the Iditarod. In the 2025 running of the Iditarod, a grueling 1,128-mile test of endurance across Alaska’s rugged terrain, Connor and his team placed 20th out of 33 teams, crossing the finish line in Nome after 13 days, 4 hours, and 47 minutes. This achievement earned them a well-deserved spot in the Winner’s Circle.

For Connor, dog-sledding is not just a sport, but a family tradition. Growing up in Ontario, he was inspired by the stories of his great-grandfather, Don Woods, who shared tales of Métis culture and dog-sledding. His passion for dogs and the outdoors led him to move to the Yukon, where he immersed himself in the world of mushing. It was there that he adopted Chumie, a rescue husky, and built his first sled from old cross-country skis and a discarded crate, marking the start of his journey.

In 2024, Connor entered the Iditarod for the first time but made the difficult decision to pull out halfway through the race. Despite months of training, the extreme weather conditions and the toll on his dogs prompted him to prioritize their health and safety. This decision reflected Connor’s deep commitment to his team of dogs, whom he considers family.

Determined to return in 2025, Connor applied the lessons learned from his first attempt and focused on one goal: to complete the race safely with his team. He and his 16-dog team, led by the pace-setting Mama Mako, began the Iditarod on March 1, 2025. The race was the longest in Iditarod history, and Connor knew that preparation—both mentally and physically—was key. His year-round training at Feral Racing in the Yukon, where he operates a kennel and trains his dogs, had built a solid foundation for this challenge. The journey tested their stamina, as they faced rough terrain and extreme weather, but Connor remained focused on keeping his dogs happy, healthy, and well-cared-for.

In addition to the physical challenges of the race, Connor also found moments of beauty along the route, such as witnessing a lunar eclipse over the Bering Sea as the sun set. It was these moments that reminded him of the natural wonder surrounding him, even amidst the hardships of the race.

Connor’s ultimate goal was not to win but to ensure a safe and memorable experience for his dogs and himself. In doing so, he surpassed even his own expectations by finishing in the top 20. This achievement, along with the accompanying cash prize, marked an emotional milestone for Connor, who credits his success to the hard work and dedication of his dogs.

Connor is also incredibly grateful to his sponsors and supporters, whose contributions help make his dream of running an off-grid dog-sledding business and competing in the Iditarod a reality. With Feral Racing thriving and his team ready for the next challenge, Connor continues to train and prepare for future races. Though his first sled dog, Chumie, has retired at 13 years old, Connor is far from hanging up the harness. His journey is just beginning, and he’s always looking forward to the next great race.

For more about Connor’s journey and how to support Feral Racing, visit feralracing.com.