Addy Pederson, a 15-year-old musher from Homer, Alaska, grew up with sled dogs as a part of everyday life. Her parents recreationally mushed in the small village of Quinhagak, where they kept a kennel. Watching her parents work with the dogs sparked Addy’s interest in mushing at a young age. By age 10, she began training with the family’s dogs, and at 12, she took her first big step into the world of competitive mushing by purchasing her very first dog and starting to build her team. Today Addy cares for roughly 20 dogs, including two family house dogs and one cherished dog from her parents’ original kennel.

Addy’s journey as a musher is guided by her mentor, Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the Iditarod and a member of the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame. With Libby’s support and her own determination, Addy has quickly made a name for herself in mid-distance racing. In 2024, she competed in four races, achieving a 13th-place finish in the Junior Iditarod- a huge achievement that further fuels her ambition. During the Jr. Iditarod, Addy was also awarded the prestigious Humanitarian Award, selected by a group of veterinarians to honor her outstanding care for her dogs, a recognition that underscores her deep commitment to her team’s well-being.

Her ultimate goal is to race in the Iditarod at 18, aiming to become the youngest musher to finish the legendary 1,000-mile course.

As a proud Alaskan, Addy is honored to represent her home on the Kenai Peninsula. She’s not just chasing her dreams but also inspiring the next generation of mushers with her dedication and love for the sport. Whether she’s racing through breathtaking Alaskan landscapes, balancing life as a teenager, or sharing her experiences in local classrooms, Addy is carving out her path in the mushing world- one trail at a time.