Kristal Hanson, 17, started mushing in 2019 and she has run the Jr. Iditarod twice, placing fourth in 2020 and second in 2021. Kristal is a fifth generation Alaskan. Between Kristal, her dad and aunts they have run the Jr. Iditarod twelve times. She is a senior at West Anchorage High School where she participates in International Baccalaureate Degree Program and the Spanish Immersion Program. She also enjoys World Affairs Club. She plans to go to college and run the Knik 200 in 2023.