APRN’s Ellen Lockyer reports from McGrath in this Iditarod update. Trail and weather conditions have wreaked havoc with veterans and rookies alike (mostly veterans). Through it all, the dogs appear to be handling things better than the mushers (though Lockyer noted that she found Lance Mackey “sleeping like an angel” at Nikolai).
Meanwhile, several mushers left the Rainy Pass checkpoint but couldn’t find the trail and had to return. Iditarod officials say Montana musher Cindy Gallea left the checkpoint this morning but lost two of her dogs en route to Rohn. She’s looking for them now. Some of the back-of-the-pack mushers are opting to take their 24 hour layover at Rainy Pass, hoping the wind storm will die down.
Next up: First musher to McGrath snags the “Spirit of the Iditarod” award, consisting of a spirit mask and a $500 air freight credit with regional air carrier Pen Air.
Buser leads out of Nikolai [5:49m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
It may not involve howling dogs, but there’s another long-distance winter race in Alaska named after the Iditarod diptheria run. And this year, an Anchorage cyclist has set a new course record racing across the wilderness from Knik to McGrath. It’s the annual Iditarod Trail Invitational, a humans-only challenge for bikers, hikers and skiers with a deep sense of adventure.
Reported by Dan Bross, KUAC
New race record set in a different Iditarod [3:28m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Yukon Quest mushers continue to make their way into Fairbanks. The latest to cross the Chena River finish line was Fairbanks rookie Mike Jayne at about 2:30 this afternoon. He claimed 8th place and $7,500 for his 8-dogs’ effort.
Reported by Libby Casey and Dan Bross, KUAC
Quest mushers still crossing the finish line [2:03m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Alaskan Lance Mackey rode to a record finish this afternoon in the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race. His 10-dog team pulled him across the Fairbanks finish line at 1:58 this afternoon.
Reported by Libby Casey, KUAC and Lori Townsend, APRN
Lance Mackey wins Yukon Quest in record time [5:10m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Lance Mackey is on record pace in the Yukon quest despite extreme cold along the last portion of the trail.
Reported by Dan Bross and Libby Casey, KUAC
Lance Mackey in control of Yukon Quest [2:35m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Lance Mackey is holding his lead in the Yukon Quest. Mackey is checked in to Eagle on the Alaska side. Next behind Mackey out of the 40-mile river checkpoint is Gerry Wilomitzer followed by William Kleedehn, Hans Gatt and Hugh Neff.
Reported by Libby Casey and Dan Bross, KUAC
Mackey holding lead on Yukon Quest [5:01m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
The competition is calling Lance Mackey’s lead in the Yukon Quest comfortable.
Reported by Libbey Casey, KUAC
The top 10 teams in the Yukon Quest have reached the race’s halfway point at Dawson City. They were lead by two time defending champion Lance Mackey of Fairbanks. Mackey and his 12 dog team reached Dawson last night at 11:35 p.m. Yukon time.
Reported by Dan Bross and Libby Casey, KUAC
Some Yukon Quest teams already halfway [3:32m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
British Columbia musher Hans Gatt is running behind the leaders. The three-time past Quest winner says he’s not holding back, but has been dealing with injured dogs.
Reported by Libbey Casey and Dan Bross, KUAC
Former Quest champ Hans Gatt battling injuries to remain near the front of the race [1:40m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
A dog died in the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race yesterday. Veterinary pathologist Dr. Matti Kiupel said the dog ‘Jewel’ in Japanese rookie musher Yuka Honda’s team threw up and choked on food.
Reported by Libby Casey and Dan Bross, KUAC