Kelly Maixner, D.M.D., a Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine alumnus, completed the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska in March. The iconic dog sled race covers more than 1,100 miles, running from an area near Anchorage, Alaska to Nome. Maixner completed the grueling race in 10 days, 20 hours and 29 minutes with 11 dogs. He finished in 30th place overall. Of the rookies running the race, he finished 2nd, just hours behind 1st place.
Maixner was born and raised in North Dakota. After receiving his dental degree from NSU in 2007, he moved to Alaska for a residence in pediatric dentistry. He decided to stay. He is currently a pediatric dentist in Wasilla. Kelly began mushing right after he arrived in Alaska. He started thinking about running the Iditarod immediately. He has competed in several mid distance races and a number of sprint races in the last three years.
“I have a very young team, most of which are two years old or younger,” Maixner said of his dogs. “I am entering the Iditarod because I love distance mushing and plan on doing it for a long time.”
To see his race on YouTube, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sEgWI4_8s8
For more information about the race, please visit www.iditarod.com