Wade Marrs was born and raised in the historic mushing cradle of Knik, Alaska — a true “Knik Kid” who grew up behind a dog team. Influenced early by his late uncle and the Redington family, Wade learned the sport the old-school way: quietly absorbing the wisdom of legendary mushers who passed through the Redington home.

Over the years, Wade has become both a competitor and a contributor to the Iditarod, serving on the Iditarod Board of Directors, the Iditarod Official Finishers Club as President, and the Iditarod Rules Committee.

After racing and training across Alaska for decades, Wade and his team spent time in the Northwoods of Wisconsin with his wife Sophia and their growing family before returning home to Alaska

*Wade started his kennel as Stump Jumpin’ Kennel; now it’s 49th State Sled Dogs. A name that reflects the Alaskan roots of long distance dog mushing.