Last year's winner was Dallas Seavey, who triumphed for a record-breaking sixth time. He is not back to defend his title. Other formers winners are, including Ryan Redington (2023 winner) and Mitch Seavey (winner in 2004, 2013, and 2017).

The total of 33 tied with 2023 for the lowest ever. The 2024 field totaled 38. The largest field was in 2008, when 96 mushers contested the race. The first race, in 1973, featured 34 mushers. Race officials say that the average since then has been 63.

Among this year's 33 mushers, 22 are men and 11 are women. A full 16 overall are rookies. And only four are not Americans: a Dane, a Norwegian, and two Canadians.

The racers will follow a new route this year, starting at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks. The halfway checkpoint will be Grayling. It is the fourth time that the race has made this change because of poor trail conditions. The last time was in 2017.

This is the 100th anniversary of the Serum Run, which involved a series of dog teams transporting much-needed medicine to children in Nome.