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Nate Metzen
Nate Metzen
26 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST MUSHER
Experience:
Rookie - YQ 100
Nationality:
German; Colombian
From:
Whitehorse, Yukon
Occupation(s):
Manager

Social Media

Northern Sharks Working Dogs
Northern Sharks Working Dogs

Kennel Info

Kennel Name:
Northern Sharks Working Dogs
Kennel Name Origination:

I love sharks; it was always a dream to have my own kennel and use the word "tiburon" (Spanish for shark) or "shark" in it. We are inspired by the True North aspect of the Toyota Production System, where a North stands for the goal condition, the destiny for any journey; that is why we are Northern Sharks.

Breeds:
Alaska huskies and Alaskan pointer husky crosses
Bloodlines:
Swingley, Seavy, Buser, Gatt, Streeper, Courtney
# of Dogs in Kennel:
18

Musher Q & A

How many years have you been running dogs?
4
How did you get started running dogs?

I helped out two friends in the Yukon and Manitoba with their dogs as a handler and immediately fell in love with the sport.

How did your dogs get their names?/ How do you choose names?

Inspired by life, friends have chosen some, most of my adult dogs had been named before I got them. I will soon name my puppies and it will be based on a Christmas Eve joke and likely shark-themed.

Why did you enter the Yukon Quest? What are your goals for the race?

I want to see what my team and I can pull off together. I always wanted to travel with them and adventure through the Yukon, summer or winter. In a race setting, we are at least monitored in the winter so I am pumped to give rest-run-rest a try. Glad that the hometown race offers a shorter version.

I promised Haymitch to run a bigger race in his honour.

What do you love most about running sled dogs?

Being part of a pack; we are animals and the dogs help me connect with the animal in me. Humans have lost the connection to their inner animal. Living with dogs in this special symbiosis connects me with nature - judgment-free, full of energy and love. They heal me and give without limits.

Tell us about your dogs, particularly some stories or facts about dogs running this year's race

I hope Tony, my first sled dog, will make the team. He is my best friend and has been with me since I started my journey in Canada in September 2018. Super proud of my amazing leader, Rose, who kicks ass at just three-years-old. Her brother who lost his eyesight in a tragic accident has blown my mind; he kicked back like nothing happened.Yuuni stepped up into a leader role since I am now down two leaders down and she does super well.

Tell us about your favourite experience with a volunteer on the trail

In my first race I wiped out and when I got up, two guys ran over the help. They did not know what to do but after some instructions, they helped to get me going again.

What music do you listen to on the trail?

I never listen to music running dogs.

Share a quick story about one of your indispensable handlers

I got lucky with an amazing community of people who all helped me train and power heal through some wounds this fall. My new and first helper just arrived less than 14 days ago and has already changed my life so positively. I can't wait to adventure with him for the next few months.

What mushing organizations are you a member of?

DPSAY & YDMA

Awards

2023 Yukon Quest 100
Rookie of the Year Award

Sponsors

Winterlong Brewing, Cultured Fine Cheese, Nite Ize, and a few close friends who donated a bunch of gear and time.