Jon Little has been a journalist for 20 years and a musher since 1992, racing five Iditarods from 1999 through 2003. His highest finish is fourth in 2002, and he was in the top 20 three times. A veteran of the Yukon Quest, Jon maintains a kennel of high-octane Alaskan huskies and loves to compete in Alaska’s 200- and 300-mile races. His skills as a writer, matched with observations and insight honed by long hours on the runners, makes him unique among those writing about the world’s premier distance sled dog race. A native of Seattle, Jon moved to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in 1987 with visions of becoming a Bush pilot. Instead, he took a job at the local newspaper and quickly felt at home in Alaska, especially in the region’s pristine and stark winters. Jon will file two or more reports each day as he makes his way up the trail — by airplane, not dog sled — leapfrogging with the leaders.

Comments on stories can be made in the Iditarod Forums chat room. If you need to reach Jon with a question or a correction, send an email to jonlittle@alaska.net