Iditarod Musher Profile

Matt Hayashida, 37, was born in Massachusetts and worked in Wyoming for three years as a river/fishing guide and a dog sled tour guide. He began mushing in 1993 and knew he wanted to run the Iditarod the first time he stepped on the runners. Matt came to Alaska in 1993 to work with Martin Buser. "After running two Iditarods with Martin's yearlings, I knew I wanted to start my own kennel. I now have a modest number of dogs, a few more Iditarods under my belt, a beautiful family and a wonderful circle of supportive friends and sponsors. Since 1999, he has been the general manager of Alaska Icefield Expeditions. Matt is married to Sarah and they are the parents of two daughters, Lily, 4 and Grace, 2. He is a member of Mush with P.R.I.D.E. and says he enjoys spending time with his family.