Eddie Burke Jr. withdraws from Iditarod

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A recently reinstated musher to the 2024 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race announced on Monday afternoon he has decided to sit out this year’s race.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Eddie Burke Jr. said that it was too difficult to reassemble his race team after last week’s disqualification and subsequent reinstatement by the Iditarod Trail Committee.

Following his Feb. 19 disqualification, Burke said he leased his dog team out to other mushers. When the committee reinstated Burke on Friday, he said was trying to get his dogs back while still trying to help the other mushers.

“After being reinstated, it has been a challenge to gather my team back together and prepare for the race,” Burke wrote in a statement. “This has not only been difficult for me but also the mushers I have made agreements with. After tough consideration, I have made the decision to withdraw from this years race and honor the agreements I have made with my fellow mushers.”

The committee said Burke’s disqualification was related to Iditarod rule 53, which pertains to musher conduct. Upon further investigation into misconduct allegations, the committee reinstated Burke on Friday.

Last week, Burke’s third-degree assault and fourth-degree assault charges were dropped, according to records.

“There will always be another dog race, and I never plan to be out of dogs,” said Burke, who thanked his fans for their support during “these difficult times.”