Sure, everyone knows Lance Mackey, Jeff King, Ramy Brooks, even Cim Smyth, Jim Lanier, and Sonny Lindner… but some of the more unknown names in this year’s All Alaska Sweepstakes come from the locals of Nome, and member’s of the sweepstakes’ own Nome Kennel Club. The Nome mushers range from a home-making mom, to two attorneys.

These mushers aren’t in the race because they necessarily think they have a good shot at the winner-take-all prize, they are in to test themselves, test their dogs, and to explore some of the least traveled areas in their backyard.

Kirsten Bey

Kirsten Bay is from Nome Alaska, having lived here since 1994. Kirsten says she was primarily raised in Portland Oregon, and moved to Alaska in 1990. Kirsten first came to visit Alaska to see two law school classmates. She met Vern Halter and was offered me a job handling for him. After a winter, she decided to stay on and work for Vern and Susan. They gave her the opportunity to run a young team in the 1993 Iditarod, and it was after that she decided she wanted to continue mushing. Kirsten is a lawyer here in Nome. She works as a Public Defender, and has done so for the last 20 years.

Jeff Darling

Jeff Darling lives here in Nome, and has been self-employed for the last 6 years. He is married, and enjoys hunting and fishing around Nome. Jeff started mushing in 2003 and says he has limited experience. He says he enjoys life and the Alaskan wilderness. He love animals and enjoy their companionship. his team is comprised of three year olds and yearlings from the same mother. Two litters of nine and a couple of dogs from the pound.

stay tuned for more local musher profiles

Posted by admin on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 at 10:55 pm.