Thomas Wærner
Thomas Wærner is a professional long-distance dog musher and dog breeder, with previous experience from sprint and mid-distance racing. In 2020 he became the champion of the world's most famous and longest annual sled dog race, The Iditarod. Thomas is in addition one of few mushers to ever win both of Europe's toughest long-distance races in the same year, the Femund race and Finnmark race. Today he owns and runs the Berserk kennel, based in Synnfjell, Norway.
Norway
Location
12.02.73
DOB
8
Achievements
Berserk
Kennel
56
Dogs
47
Races
Meet the guy behind Bersek Kennel
Thomas Wærner is a professional long-distance dog musher and dog breeder, with previous experience from sprint and mid-distance racing. He owns and runs the Berserk kennel, based in Synnfjell, Norway. Thomas has participated in long-distance races both in Norway and the US with great results. He was crowned “Rookie of the year” in 2015 at the Iditarod Race in Alaska, where he finished 17th. In 2020 he competed again, and this time, he became the champion of the world famous Alaskan dog race. Thomas is in addition one of few mushers to ever win both of Europe's toughest long-distance races in the same year Finnmark race and Femund race.
Besides his devotion for his dogs and to the sport of dog mushing, Thomas runs the company Torpa El-installasjon AS, a technology company based in Torpa. Originally from Oslo, Thomas today lives with his family and dogs in Synnfjell, a three-hour drive from the capital.
GET TO KNOW SOME OF THE ATHLETES
K2
K2 is a fantastic lead dog. He is a rock solid guy to put in front, as you know he will always get you where you want. K2 is from the same litter as King & Krøll and it is safe to say these guys have good genes.
Bark
Bark might seem shy and careful at first, but that's before you get to know him. He definitely has a lot in store. If Bark could choose, he would always be out in stormy weather. Guess that is just within his comfort zone.
King
King is a cheeky squabbler who is a real Don Juan. This royalty is always the loudest on checkpoints, making sure the energy is constantly on top. Well, his name says a lot about his character.
Bibbi
Bibbi is a super tough lady, who is also a complete sweetheart. She loves cuddles when not racing. Bibbi is the sibling of Ben, Børge & Bark and she has been on Thomas A-team, winning both the Femund and Finnmark race in 2019.
Did you know?
I knew I wanted to become a professional dog musher when… I started up in 1984. I’ve been dreaming about living the life of a dog musher and running races since childhood.
My most memorable racing experience is… Going into the night during the Finnmark race, with a powerful team and the northern lights dancing on the sky. This experience gave me a feeling I will never forget.
The race I dream of winning is… Iditarod.
My goal for the next five years is… To be happy and enjoy life, having a lot of fun with my family and dogs.
If I didn’t do what I am doing today, I would… That I think, is impossible to answer.
Champion at the Iditarod
Champion at the Finnmark race (FL-1200)
Champion at the Femund race (F650)
Best Animal Welfare - Veterinarian Award at the Finnmark race
Rookie of the year - Iditarod 17th Place
Best dog breeder of the year
Champion at the Finnmark race (FL-1000)
3rd Place at the Femund race
Thomas prefers his dogs big, full of power and just as crazy as himself
With a kennel-size on above 50, most of Thomas' dogs are big and energetic - much like their owner.
See latest videos of Thomas
Thomas is racing the Iditarod 2020
The start of the team