Patrick Mackey, 17, was born and raised in Alaska. He started mushing when he was six years old and said he started because he loved running and training a dog team. Patrick is the son of Iditarod veteran, Jason Mackey and says his family has been running dogs since the late 60’s, beginning with his Grandpa, 1978 Iditarod champion, Dick Mackey. “I have three uncles who have also competed in the Race, Rick, Bill and Lance. We are a mushing family. I am the next generation of Mackey’s.” After high school, Patrick says he expects to do some dog tours and run dogs. He hopes to run the Yukon Quest in 2010.