Brady Chad Stoddard was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and grew up in Washington State in the small island community of Friday Harbor. Chad has always been part of a team, excelling at football, baseball, and basketball, which became his driving passion during high school and college. 

Growing up Chad always felt drawn back to the Great Land, and 12 years ago he returned to the Alaska and began his Iditarod journey. He has family ties to Nenana where his great grandfather Williams Burk Sr. carried mail by dog team around the time of the Serum Run. Since returning home Chad has gained a unique perspective of mushing and racing, having the opportunity to learn and work alongside some of the greatest Iditarod mushers of all time including Lance Mackey, Dallas Seavey, and currently Martin Buser. Chad will race the 2026 Iditarod with dogs from Martin Busers Happy Trails Kennel that he has raised and trained over the last few years.

Knowing he is exactly where he is meant to be doing what he was born to do gives Chad a great sense of fulfillment. He will always be grateful to be a small part of such an incredible event that means so much to so many Alaskans and people across the globe. He considers it was an honor to travel and share the historic Iditarod trail with his team and fellow mushers for the third time, and gives thanks to all the incredible dogs, mushers, and volunteers who laid down the trail before him and continue to make the Iditarod the Last Great Race!