Photos of Musher Zoya DeNure during the 2016 Iditarod.

Photos of Musher Zoya DeNure during the 2012 Iditarod.

Zoya was not able to complete this year's race and had to abandon her bid to reach Nome. She scratched at the Cripple checkpoint with 12 dogs left on her team.

The veteran Musher has participated in 6 Iditarods so far. She was first introduced in 2008 when she finished in 53rd position.

Zoya DeNure with Iditarider at the Ceremonial race start downtown Anchorage.

Musher Zoya DeNure is from the small town of Gakona in interior Alaska. This series of pictures were taken during the 2011 Iditarod.

Zoya DeNure on her way to the 1000 mile journey to Nome, wearing her heavy coat to brave the elements and leaving the comforts of home. Temperatures drop very quickly especially in Interior Alaska in Winter.

Zoya DeNure on the Iditarod Trail

Musher Zoya DeNure is from the small town of Gakona, in interior Alaska. The 33 year old fashion model left the glamour of the runway and turned to her new found passion: dog mushing. Iditarod XXXVIII is Zoya's second race. In 2008, she finished her rookie race in 53rd position.

Zoya had to drop out of the 2010 Iditarod near the checkpoint of Rainy Pass. We hope to see Zoya again in 2011.

Zoya DeNure on the first day of the Iditarod, at the ceremonial race start in Anchorage, and in Willow.