As the Iditarod Nation awaits the crowning of the 2026 Iditarod champion, all eyes are on Jessie Holmes. He’s made it through the infamous Blow Hole and he’s passed by the Nome Kennel Club Safety Cabin without needing shelter. He’s fast approaching Safety. He’ll check in then depart to climb Cape Nome and the end will be insight. Somewhere along the route, he’ll be handed his bib and given a hand getting it on over his parka. With less than half a mile to go Holmes will leave the Bering Sea for Front Street. The fire siren will have sounded and a squad car will be waiting to escort him to the burled arch and his second consecutive victory, assuming all goes according to his plan.
Holmes has been…