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NAME: RICK HOLT
AGE: 39
HOMETOWN: Willow, Alaska
WIFE: Tiff
CHILDREN: Twin eight-year old sons, Keegan and Rohnan
This Iditarod rookie has put everything on the line – his family, his finances and his sanity – to follow his lifelong dream to run and complete the Last Great Race. He comes from a long mushing legacy, and he is dedicating this competition to the memory of his recently departed, 94-year-old, long-time musher grandfather.
Rick Holt was born in New Hampshire and raised in Massachusetts. He received a B.S. in business from St. Michael's College in Vermont and then a B.S. in biology from Seattle Pacific University. Holt then went on to receive an M.A. in education leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Holt writes, "Both my father and grandfather ran dogs in New England. My grandfather was president of the New England Sled Dog Club back in the '60s. My family valued being outdoors, independent and adaptable.”
Holt and his wife moved to Elim, Alaska for teaching jobs. According to Holt, "It was a matter of time before we fell into sled dogs, having our first litter and twin sons in 1999." For the next few years, Holt ran dogs on the coast of the Bearing Sea and says "the Norton Sound Sled Dog Club was an invaluable resource and provided endless learning opportunities.”
Holt’s dogs are from fellow Iditarod musher, Lynda Plettner who lives in Unalakleet, Alaska. Holt says that Plettner has been a long-time friend and an extraordinary source of resources in terms of equipment, experience and frank advice. Holt says that mushing is a family affair, and it wouldn't be possible without the support and sacrifices provided by his wife and kids.
"This year I will be dedicating my race and all my efforts in honor of my grandfather, who passed away this spring at the age of 94. My dream is to have my grandmother, 88, travel to Anchorage to be our Idita-Rider."
More: We had questions, Rick answered them
All the mushers from the series:
