NOME, Alaska — After more than 10 days of grueling competition across the frozen Alaskan wilderness, Odenville native Jessie Holmes emerged victorious in the 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®, securing his first-ever Iditarod championship. Holmes, who is based out of  Brushkana, Alaska, crossed the finish line of the 53rd running of the Iditarod in Nome at 2:55 a.m. Friday, March 14, with 10 dogs in harness.

Throughout the race, Holmes showed remarkable strategic thinking, making well-timed decisions in response to the unpredictable challenges that the Iditarod is known for. His careful balance of speed and caution allowed him to maintain a lead in the final stretch, with his sled dog team displaying exceptional endurance and teamwork. Holmes has competed in the Iditarod every year since 2018 and has secured five Top 10 finishes in his seven years of competition.

Winning the 53rd Iditarod comes with the largest percentage of the $500,000 purse for the 2025 race. On his charge to Nome, Holmes also won the GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award, the Alaska Air Transit Spirit of Iditarod Award, the Bristol Bay Native Corporation Fish First Award, the Ryan Air Gold Coast Award and the Northrim Bank Achieve More Award. His winnings from those awards total $4,500 in cash, $4,500 in gold nuggets, 25 pounds of fresh Bristol Bay salmon and multiple trophies to commemorate each achievement.

“We fully extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jessie Holmes, he has exhibited incredible resilience, an unbreakable esprit de corps and extraordinary care for the dogs,” said Rob Urbach, Iditarod CEO. “Moreover, his stamina is inspiring and it’s fitting that after 1,128 miles (the longest race in history) his energy on Front Street in Nome was felt by all of Iditarod Nation as he joyously claimed victory under the New Arch christened earlier today.”

Mushers currently on the Iditarod trail will continue to make their way to Nome. The race finishes when the last musher crosses the finish line, claiming the Red Lantern, a longstanding Iditarod tradition and symbol of perseverance which is now sponsored by Iditarod Partner, Lynden Air Cargo.