Mackey was a four-time winner of both the 1,000-mile (1,600 km) Yukon Quest and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

His father, Dick Mackey, was one of the founders of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and won the event by a one second margin over Rick Swenson in 1978.

[4] However, technically speaking, Mackey's first race was from the comfort of his mother's womb, as she placed fourth in the Women's North American Championships while seven months pregnant with Lance.

[citation needed] Lance Mackey's career as a sled dog musher began with his first appearance in the 2001 Iditarod–placing 36th out of the 57 who finished the race[5] and winning a mere $1046.00.

[9] In 2010, Mackey rejoined the fray, finishing second in the Yukon Quest and also securing his 4th consecutive Iditarod win before sliding out of the top ten in the 2011 race, much to the dismay of multiple news reporters.

Mackey's urine sample taken in White Mountain, a standard operating procedure for the first thirty mushers arriving at the checkpoint, tested positive for methamphetamine.

While Zorro survived and regained the use of his legs after months of treatment, including acupuncture and physical therapy, he was unable to compete again.

[15] In response to criticism, Mackey defended his methods of care and argues that the use of CBD for sled dogs helps speed their recovery time.

[26] Mackey was the subject of a 2015 independent feature-length film called The Great Alone, a documentary following his life story and career.

Senator Lisa Murkowski on his fourth consecutive Iditarod win and acknowledged his determination and perseverance in both his personal and professional matters.