• Sheep Mountain 150 December (150 mile race - Sheep Mountain Lodge, Alaska)
• Gin Gin 200 - Starts December - Jan (200 mile race Paxson, Alaska)
• Copper Basin 300 - January (300 mile race GlennAllen, Alaska)
• Tustumena 200 - Starts January 2010 (200 mile race Soldotna, Alaska)
• International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race - Wyoming - Feb
• Iditarod - Starts March 5th 2011( 1,200 mile race Anchorage to Nome)
• Kobuk 440 - April Kotzebue, Alaska ( 440 mile race)

2008 Yukon Quest Golden Harness Award
Lance Mackey's lead dogs Handsome and Rev were given raw steak by the High Country Inn for winning the Golden Harness Award.

Mackey’s fourth win this year is a Yukon Quest record. He confirmed plans to run the Yukon Quest next year with the goal of achieving five championships in a row.


2008 Iditarod - The PenAir Spirit of Alaska Award presented to the first musher to reach McGrath. Lance received a spirit mask created each year by Bristol Bay artist, Orville Lind for the award and a $500 credit on PenAir.


2008 Iditarod - Millenium Hotel first to the Yukon Award, which includes a seven-course meal prepared by the hotel’s head chef along with an “after dinner mint” of $5,000. Lance inhaled the meal in Ruby, where it was awarded. He’ll get a second chance to enjoy it at a slower pace. The hotel serves the same meal to the winner at a later date.

2009 Iditarod - GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award - Presented to Lance Mackey from Fairbanks Alaska who was the first musher to arrive in Iditarod Alaska. Lance received $2,500 in gold nuggets and a beautiful trophy.

2009 Iditarod Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage First To the Yukon Award - Presented to Lance Mackey from Fairbanks Alaska; the first Musher to arrive in Anvik Alaska on the banks of the Yukon. While in Anvik, Mackey received a nine course meal. Tonight Mackey received an additional $3,500 in one dollar bills as the “after dinner mint” for his efforts.

2009 Iditarod Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Gold Coast Award - Presented to Lance Mackey from Fairbanks Alaska. Mackey was the first musher to arrive in the Gold Coast community of Unalakleet. He was awarded a beautiful trophy and $2,500 in gold nuggets.

2009 Iditarod Alaska Airlines Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award - is based on specific criteria to determine who has best demonstrated outstanding dog care through out the Race while remaining competitive. Alaska Airlines presented the award to Iditarod 2009 Champion Lance Mackey. Mackey received a lead crystal cup on an illuminated wooden base and two free round trip tickets to anywhere on the Alaska Airlines system.

2009 Iditarod Wells Fargo Winner’s Purse Award - Was awarded to the 2009 Iditarod Champion, Lance Mackey. This year’s award was $69,000.

2009 Iditarod Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Official Truck Award - Was awarded to the 2009 Iditarod Champion, Lance Mackey. Mackey received a 2008 Dodge Ram Laramie “HEMI” 4/x/4 quad cab pick up.

Discovery Channel asked Lance a few questions, here's what he said:

What do you find is the biggest challenge when working with animals?

The biggest challenge working with a large team of dogs is the individual personalities. Like a classroom full of kids, all with issues, wants, questions, some barking wildly to get my attention and then there are some who just do what needs to be done and require only a nod or a smile. Every dog is different. Every need is different. That's what I love. The reward is seeing them all come together as a team working for a common goal. It's just cool.

What made you choose your lead dog?

Lead dogs are not 'chosen' to be leaders, they are either born with the drive to lead or they are not, and from that, only a few become GREAT leaders. Like Larry or Zorro.

How long does it take to train the dogs for the amount of endurance required?

It is a year-round effort training and conditioning the dogs. Like any athlete, it is a lifestyle of proper nutrition and a good exercise program. We start serious physical and mental training the first of September to race a thousand mile endurance race like the Yukon Quest or Iditarod.

How do you keep yourself motivated when you're on the trail?

My motivation is a strong determination to do well and showing everyone the full potential of my dogs. The reality is, I want to make my dogs proud of me. I work as hard as they do and I think they know that. There is nothing more rewarding than happy, enthusiastic dogs at the end of a race. It's difficult to explain. It's just a tremendous drive and a want.

What do you think is your biggest strength and/or weakness when competing?

My strength is my determination to do well. I am good under pressure, I find it very motivating. I thrive on those that say to me 'can't do' and I don't need much sleep. My weakness when competing — when I do sleep, I sleep hard. What I lack physically, I make up for mentally. For me, it's all about appetite and attitude."