Bio

Born and raised in Prague (Czech Republic), Misha Wiljes attended trade school in graphic design, worked as a sign writer, and a painter for movies and billboards. She loved to travel and spent her spare time was spent hiking and exploring with her dog and a backpack. She traveled extensively in Australia and the Yukon, then made her home in Alaska in 2003. She began mushing in 2000 and learned about it while handling for Charlie Boulding, Vern Halter and Judy Currier. After several mid distance races, she completed the 2012 Yukon Quest and the 2017 Iditarod. Together with her husband, Gerhard, she built WW Kennel in Willow, Alaska, and now lives her dream while running with her own dogs in distance races like the CB 300, the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod.

How did your kennel get its name?

WW means Wiljes Willow

How did you get started running dogs?

I started as a handler for Charlie Boulding

What do you love most about running dogs?

Enjoying going down the trail with my dogs and sharing the adventures.

Please share with us some stories or facts about your dogs that will be running in the 2025 YQ450.

Most of our dogs are from well know bloodlines and few are from Animal Shelters. We are very happy that they blend in our team from the first run and have great performance since.

Are you a member of any other organizations involved in sled dog sports?

Willow dog mushers.

Why did you enter the 2025 YQ450 and what are your goals for the race?

Would like to see the new Yukon Quest Trail.

What music do you listen to on the trail?

I listen to dogs and nature not music.

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

Our dogs had random names, by their appearance.

Share a quick story about one of your indispensable Handlers.

My husband is a great handler and supporter. Together with Kerry Quade they make a great team how they prove it many times before.

Tell us about your favorite experience with a volunteer on the trail.

Thank you all volunteers, vet and race officials for your time and support.