2008 Iditarod Musher Profile

Aaron Burmeister, 32, was born and raised in Nome, Alaska. He graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1998 and is a certified teacher. However, he is currently a project superintendent for Quality Asphalt & Paving. Aaron says, "Mushing has been a part of my life since I could stand, with my parents and family all actively involved in the sport for my entire life, growing up in Nome. My father raced the Iditarod when I was four years old and from that day on I wanted to race it! I race the Iditarod because I believe it is the ultimate challenge in the sport of dog mushing and the proving ground for our dogs, gear and new innovations in our sport. The country and weather that we pass through in this great race are indescribable and must be seen and experienced to give it justice. It is not just the Iditarod that is so awesome. It is raising pups, building a team and the bond we share with the dogs in training and conditioning for the race and working together as a team to cross the vast expanse of Alaska. Why did I enter the Iditarod? Just because!" He moved from Nome to Nenana in 2002 for better training conditions and to be on the road system. Aaron is a member of the IUOE, the Nome Kennel Club, and the IOFC. He lists his hobbies and interests as work, hunting and fishing. Aaron is married to Mandy.