15 — Laura Bontrager from Newberry, Michigan.
Age 27.
Laura started running dogs 22 years ago with a 4H group started by Jan & Bob Shaw, and their kennel Arctic Wind Racing Sled Dogs. Jan and Bob became like grandparents, and she was fortunate to train and race at Arctic Wind competitively throughout high school and college. Laura now co-manages a kennel with Bruce Magnusson and gets to run the same trails she grew up on. She’s been a handler at the Stage Stop the past four years. “I’m looking forward to getting out on the trail and having fun with 14 of my best friends.”