Thomas Lesatz

Thomas Lesatz, 28 years old, was born in Chicago, Illinois. Surrounded by the city lights, he dreamed of owning his own kennel, building a log cabin and racing in the Iditarod – The Last Great Race. He moved to Alaska in 2000 to handle for Rick Swenson, a 5-Time Iditarod Champion. After a year in Alaska, he went back home to work but constantly thought about retuning. When he did finally return, he handled for mushers, Ray Redington and Russel Lain and decided that he would make Alaska his permanent home.

In 2004, he partnered with Jessica Hendricks, 2003 Iditarod’s – Rookie of the Year. Together they have spend the last 5 years building Iron Pearl Kennels. Tom built their home from logs he cleared on their 100-acre farm just outside Fairbanks in Two Rivers, AK.

They currently have 60+ dogs with strong lines drawn from Mackey, Erhart, Buser and MacEachen kennels.

During the off season, Tom works as a Wild land Fire Fighter for Alaska’s Division of Forestry. When he’s not taking care of his dogs, you can find him fishing in the local stream, hunting up the road or weeding in his vegetable garden.

In March of 2007, Tom finally made it to 4th Street in Anchorage for Iditarod 1049. With the help from his family and friends, he hopes to make it back again this coming March 2010 to race in his second Iditarod.


Race History

2003	Two Rivers 200	4th
2004	Solstice 100	14th
2005	Knik 200	1st
2005	Two Rivers 100	2nd
2006	Copper Basin 300	5th - Rookie of the Year
2007	Iditarod 1049	38th
2008	Tustumena 200	9th
2008	Sheep Mt.150	24th
2008	Solstice 100	7th
2008	GinGin 200	9th
2009	Copper Basin 300	Scratched
2009	Two Rivers 200	1st

Learn More: Jessica Hendricks | The IPK Dog Team