Meet the 2026
Mushers

elena freking

Finland, MN

I am 15 years old and have been on the dogsled before I could walk. I am in 10th grade and go to school in Ely, MN. I started running Mid Distance when I was 11 years old, and since then I have run the Klondike Dog Derby, Beargrease Cub Run, 40 and 120, Copperdog15, and the Wolftrack Classic. In my free time I love to travel, spend time with friends and family, and read books. I have a 13 year old sister Nicole Freking, and my parents and Jennifer and Blake Freking.

KENNEL NAME?

Manitou Crossing Kennels

Website & Social media

Racing Siberians

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START RUNNING SLED DOGS AND HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED?

I was born into the sport with both my parents being experienced dogsled mushers. I started running my own teams at 4 years old and ran my first race (Beargrease Cub Run) that same year.

Meet the 2026Mushers