IDITAROD: Special Coverage from APRN

As the leaders of the Iditarod dogsled race depart Unalakleet and head up the Bering Sea coast, 2007 Iditarod winner Lance Mackey and 2006 Iditarod winner Jeff King have distanced themselves from the pack and continue to swap places at the front. Mackey left the Kaltag checkpoint for the 90 mile jaunt over the pass to the coast at Unalakleet first and King departed 4 hours later, however Mackey did not rest his team at Kaltag and King did. Mackey likey chose to rest along the trail, and by the time they reached Unalakleet King was out front by 30 minutes. Both teams were treated to some spectacular northern lights duing the early morning hours. Mackey chose to cut rest short at Unalakleet, and was on the trail in the lead again after 2 hours 45 minutes of rest. King chose to take 5 hours of rest spotting Mackey a 42 minute lead.