Iditarod Update - Thursday, March 12

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Excitement a plenty on the (new and improved) Iditarod trail!

Yesterday was an emotional day, as fan favorite and 2015 Yukon Quest champion Brent Sass was withdrawn due to a violation of the electronic device rule. While he had given his cell phone to his father, the music player he took along was an Ipod Touch, which has Wifi capabilities, and is therefore not allowed. Brent reacted with grace, the internet blew up, and we can assume some sort of modification of said rule in the future.

Later, a heart-breaking video of four-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey appeared. Lance has circulation problems from past cancer treatments, and he is having a hard time. His brother, Jason, has given up any dream of winning, and is accompanying his brother on the trail, to assist with dog duties. Whether or not Lance can finish this race, and if he’ll run another, is to be determined.

Aside from the drama, we have ourselves a race, with the usual suspects out in front!

But ALL the teams have taken their 24 (with the adjustment for the starting time differential), we won’t really know who is in the lead until after that.

Aaron Burmeister has gone through Galena, into the lead, although he needs to take his mandatory 8-hour rest, in addition to his 24.

Jeff King, Aliy Zirkle, Martin Buser and Jesse Royer are all in Galena, still needing to take their 24s.

Dallas Seavey is nearly to Galena as well, followed by Huge Neff.

Zoya DeNure is the first musher to scratch.

At 12:30 ET, here are the updated standings, based upon the Official Standings and my own analysis of the GPS trackers, so some mileage may vary.

On the Trail to Huslia

1.     Aaron Burmeister (63)

In Galena

2.     Jeff King (59)

3.     Aliy Zirkle (32)

4.     Martin Buser (4)

5.     Jessie Royer (3)

On the Trail to Galena

6.     Dallas Seavey (46)

7.     Hugh Neff (24)

8.     Thomas Waerner (8) {R}

9.     Wade Marrs (65)

10. Ken Anderson (36)

11. Michelle Phillips (6)

12. Nathan Schroeder (26)

13. Joar Leifseth Ulsom (16)

14. Peter Kaiser (54)

15. Paul Gebhardt (28)

16. Jason Campeau (70) {R}

17. Nicolas Petit (12)

18. Mats Pettersson (55)

19. DeeDee Jonrowe (29)

20. Justin Savidis (19)

21. Richie Diehl (42)

In Ruby

22. Mitch Seavey (18)

23. Kelly Maixner (9)

24. John Baker (78)

25. Curt Perano (21)

26. Paige Drobny (58)

27. Kristy Berington (11)

28. Charley Bejna (38)

29. Anna Berington (39)

30. Katherine Keith (74)

31. Jodi Bailey (22)

32. Travis Beals (56)

33. Bryan Bearss (48)

34. Matt Failor (15)

35. Scott Smith (69)

36. Ray Redington Jr (34)

37. Christian Turner (73)

38. Linwood Fiedler (27)

39. Mike Santos (61)

40. Allen Moore (57)

41. Benjamin Harper (37) {R}

42. Chuck Schaeffer (67) {R}

On the Trail to Ruby

43. Jim Lanier (13)

44. Marcelle Fressineau (25)

45. Seth Barnes (23) {R}

46. Brian Wilmshurst (50) {R}

47. Heidi Sutter (76) {R}

48. Monica Zappa (53)

49. Timothy Hunt (68)

50. Rohn Buser (31)

51. Lev Shvarts (40) {R}

52. Mark Selland (17) {R}

53. Laura Allaway (49) {R}

54. Yvonne Dabakk (33)

55. Rob Cooke (2) {R}

56. Yuka Honda (60) {R}

57. Steve Watkins (66) {R}

58. Isabelle Travadon (43) {R}

59. Cindy Gallea (64)

60. Lachlan Clarke (5)

61. Lance Mackey (30)

62. Jason Mackey (72)

63. Becca Moore (47) {R}

64. Lisbet Norris (41)

65. Christine Roalofs (62)

66. Philip Walters (51) {R}

67. Rick Casillo (52)

68. Alan Stevens (77) {R}

69. Trent Herbst (75)

70. Jan Steves (45)

71. Gwenn Bogart (14) {R}

72. Cindy Abbott (10) {R}

In Tanana

73. Scott Janssen (20)

74. Alan Eischens (7) {R}

75. Gerald Sousa (44)

76. Ellen Halverson (35)

      Scratched

Zoya DeNure (79)

Withdrawn

Brent Sass (71)

Iditarod Update #23 - Red Lantern Awarded

The 2012 Iditarod is over!

At 2:57am Alaska time, Monday, March 19th, Jan Steves crossed under the burled arch in Nome, to take the Red Lantern. Her training mentor Bob Chlupach finished about 2 minutes ahead of her, as the two teams have been running together the entire race.

74-year old Dan Seavey finished Sunday morning, greeted by his son, Mitch (7th place) and grandson Dallas (1st place).

Awards given at the Finisher’s Banquet:
Pen Air Spirit of Alaska Award – Aliy Zirkle
GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award – Jim Lanier
Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Gold Coast Award - Aliy Zirkle
Nome Kennel Club Fastest Time from Safety to Nome Award - Mike Williams, Jr.
Horizon Lines Most Improved Musher Award - Rohn Buser
Jerry Austin Rookie of the Year – Brent Sass
Fred Meyer Sportsmanship Award – Lance Mackey
ExxonMobil Mushers Choice Award- Dan Seavey
Northern Air Cargo Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award – Michelle Phillips
Golden Clipboard Award – Community of Nulato
Golden Stethoscope Award - Ruth Kothe, DVM and Tanja Kruse, DVM
Alaska Airlines Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award – DeeDee Jonrowe
City of Nome Lolly Medley Golden Harness Award Winner – Guinness – Dallas Seavey Lead Dog

OFFICIAL FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dallas Seavey (34)
2. Aliy Zirkle (14)
3. Ramey Smyth (21)
4. Aaron Burmeister (44)
5. Peter Kaiser (28)
6. Ray Redington Jr (2)
7. Mitch Seavey (35)
8. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
9. John Baker (11)
10. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
11. Sigrid Ekran (24)
12. Ken Anderson (39)
13. Brent Sass (50) {R}
14. Sonny Lindner (59)
15. Paul Gebhardt (25)
16. Michelle Phillips (26)
17. Hugh Neff (27)
18. Rohn Buser (62)
19. Martin Buser (41)
20. Gerald Sousa (58)
21. Colleen Robertia (42)
22. Lance Mackey (18)
23. Jodi Bailey (6)
24. Cim Smyth (8)
25. Ed Stielstra (45)
26. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
27. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
28. Kelley Griffin (20)
29. Nicolas Petit (9)
30. Rick Swenson (60)
31. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
32. Kelly Maixner (12)
33. Jim Lanier (3)
34. Mike Santos (22) {R}
35. Bruce Linton (36)
36. Karin Hendrickson (43)
37. Matt Giblin (52)
38. Trent Herbst (16)
39. Scott Janssen (37)
40. Curt Perano (61) {R}
41. Art Church, Jr (64)
42. William Pinkham (4)
43. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
44. Kristy Berington (31)
45. Justin Savidis (38)
46. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
47. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
48. Matt Failor (57) {R}
49. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
50. Karen Ramstead (56)
51. Dan Seavey (65)
52. Bob Chlupach (49)
53. Jan Steves (40) {R}

Scratched
Michael Suprenant (13)
Kirk Barnum (47)
Tom Thurston (5)
Gerry Willomitzer (23)
Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
Jeff King (10)
Pat Moon (15) {R}
Jake Berkowitz (29)
Lachlan Clarke (66)
Zoya DeNure (53)
Wade Marrs (7)
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #18 - Thursday Morning March

Over 24-hours after Dallas Seavey crosses under the burled arch, teams continue to march along the trail to Nome.


Last night, Paul Gephardt rounded out the Top 15. Several hours later, Michelle Phillips and Hugh Neff came in.

Brent Sass takes Rookie of the Year honors, finishing 13th.

Martin and Rohn Buser lead a parade of over a dozen teams on their way toward the finish, including 3 former champions in Buser, Lance Mackey and Rick Swenson.

The back of the pack of Bob Chlupach and Jan Steves are still moving toward Unalakleet.

Michael Suprenant scratched in Unalakleet.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 4:45am AKDT/8:45am EDT
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

FINISHED
1. Dallas Seavey (34)
2. Aliy Zirkle (14)
3. Ramey Smyth (21)
4. Aaron Burmeister (44)
5. Peter Kaiser (28)
6. Ray Redington Jr (2)
7. Mitch Seavey (35)
8. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
9. John Baker (11)
10. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
11. Sigrid Ekran (24)
12. Ken Anderson (39)
13. Brent Sass (50) {R}
14. Sonny Lindner (59)
15. Paul Gebhardt (25)
16. Michelle Phillips (26)
17. Hugh Neff (27)

On the Trail to Nome
18. Rohn Buser (62)
19. Martin Buser (41)
20. Gerald Sousa (58)
21. Colleen Robertia (42)
22. Lance Mackey (18)
23. Jodi Bailey (6)
24. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
25. Nicolas Petit (9)
26. Kelley Griffin (20)
27. Ed Stielstra (45)
28. Cim Smyth (8)
29. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
30. Rick Swenson (60)

In White Mountain
31. Kelly Maixner (12)
32. Jim Lanier (3)
33. Ryne Olson (46) {R}

In Elim
34. Mike Santos (22) {R}
35. Karin Hendrickson (43)
36. Matt Giblin (52)
37. Bruce Linton (36)
38. Trent Herbst (16)
39. Curt Perano (61) {R}

On the Trail to Elim
40. Scott Janssen (37)
41. William Pinkham (4)
42. Justin Savidis (38)
43. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
44. Kristy Berington (31)

In Koyuk
45. Art Church, Jr (64)
46. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
47. Karen Ramstead (56)

On the Trail to Koyuk
48. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
49. Matt Failor (57) {R}
50. Hank Debruin (48) {R}

In Shaktoolik
51. Dan Seavey (65)

On the Trail to Unalakleet
52. Bob Chlupach (49)
53. Jan Steves (40) {R}

Scratched
Michael Suprenant (13)
Kirk Barnum (47)
Tom Thurston (5)
Gerry Willomitzer (23)
Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
Jeff King (10)
Pat Moon (15) {R}
Jake Berkowitz (29)
Lachlan Clarke (66)
Zoya DeNure (53)
Wade Marrs (7)
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #17 - We Have A Winner!

Dallas Seavey wins the 2012 Iditarod!!!

At 7:29pm AKDT, Willow musher Dallas Seavey crossed under the burled arch to win the 2012 Iditarod. His winning time was 9 days, 4 hours, 9 minutes, 26 seconds.

He set or tied several records:
He is the youngest musher to win the Iditarod (25 years old)
(He was also the youngest musher to win the Yukon Quest at 23 years old in 2011)
He is the second son of a former champion to win (Dick Mackey ’78/Lance Mackey ’07-‘10; Mitch Seavey ’04/Dallas Seavey ‘12)
He is the first third-generation Iditarod finisher to win. (Grandfather Dan, father Mitch)
He is the fourth musher to win both Iditarod and Yukon Quest (Joe Runyun, Jeff King, Lance Mackey)

Aliy Zirkle finished an hour behind for 2nd place, repeating the finish of her husband, Allen Moore, in the Yukon Quest, with many of the same dogs.

In a video interview at the finish line, Seavey said, “Awesome, it was a lot of fun racing you! Let’s do this again next year!” Zirkle replied, “I’ll get back to you after that first beer.” Seavey: “O.K., well I’ll buy that for you!”

Ramey Smyth trailed Zirkle by thirty minutes, for another good finish, after coming in 2nd last year.

Aaron Burmeister has finished 4th, and Peter Kaiser 5th.

In a hard-fought sprint to the finish, Ray Redington Jr. places 6th, Mitch Seavey 7th, Michael Williams, Jr. 8th and John Baker 9th.

DeeDee Jonrowe looks to finish 10th, with a decent lead over Sigrid Ekran out of Safety.

Ken Anderson, top rookie Brent Sass and Sonny Lindner are out of White Mountain, with Paul Gephardt set to leave an hour before Hugh Neff and Michelle Phillips, in a race to stay in the top 15.

Martin and Rohn Buser are in Elim, with Gerald Sousa in 20th.

Jodi Bailey leaves Koyuk in 21st place, followed 15 minutes by her friend, Michigan musher Ed Stielstra, and the pack that traveled across the bay together, brought up by Lance Mackey in the rear.

The back of the pack of Bob Chlupach and Jan Steves are in Galena.

Tom Thurston scratched in Unalakleet and Kirk Barnum in Kaltag.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 4:30am AKDT/8:30am EDT
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

FINISHED
1. Dallas Seavey (34)
2. Aliy Zirkle (14)
3. Ramey Smyth (21)
4. Aaron Burmeister (44)
5. Peter Kaiser (28)
6. Ray Redington Jr (2)
7. Mitch Seavey (35)
8. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
9. John Baker (11)

On the Trail to Nome
10. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
11. Sigrid Ekran (24)
12. Ken Anderson (39)
13. Brent Sass (50) {R}
14. Sonny Lindner (59)

In White Mountain
15. Paul Gebhardt (25)
16. Hugh Neff (27)
17. Michelle Phillips (26)

In Elim
18. Martin Buser (41)
19. Rohn Buser (62)
20. Gerald Sousa (58)

On the Trail to Elim
21. Jodi Bailey (6)
22. Ed Stielstra (45)
23. Nicolas Petit (9)
24. Kelley Griffin (20)
25. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
26. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
27. Colleen Robertia (42)
28. Lance Mackey (18)

In Koyuk
29. Rick Swenson (60)
30. Cim Smyth (8)
31. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
32. Kelly Maixner (12)
33. Jim Lanier (3)
34. Mike Santos (22) {R}

On the Trail to Koyuk
35. Curt Perano (61) {R}
36. Karin Hendrickson (43)
37. Justin Savidis (38)
38. William Pinkham (4)
39. Matt Giblin (52)

In Shaktoolik
40. Bruce Linton (36)
41. Scott Janssen (37)
42. Trent Herbst (16)
43. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
44. Kristy Berington (31)
45. Art Church, Jr (64)
46. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
47. Karen Ramstead (56)

On the Trail to Shaktoolik
48. Hank Debruin (48) {R}

In Unalakleet
49. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
50. Matt Failor (57) {R}
51. Michael Suprenant (13)

On the Trail to Unalakleet
52. Dan Seavey (65)

On the Trail to Kaltag
53. Bob Chlupach (49)
54. Jan Steves (40) {R}

Scratched
Kirk Barnum (47)
Tom Thurston (5)
Gerry Willomitzer (23)
Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
Jeff King (10)
Pat Moon (15) {R}
Jake Berkowitz (29)
Lachlan Clarke (66)
Zoya DeNure (53)
Wade Marrs (7)
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #16 - Tuesday Afternoon Sprint

The final stretch

At this point, Dallas Seavey is 5 miles from Safety, 8 ahead of Aliy Zirkle, and 14 ahead of Ramey Smyth, although the spread changes with every update. It might be possible for Smyth to overtake Zirkle, but seems unlikely he can take first, unless Seavey falters.

At the current rate, they should arrive in Nome between 5:30pm AKDT and 6:30pm AKDT (9:30pm EDT – 10:30pm EDT)

Aaron Burmeister is on the way, in 4th, and Peter Kaiser has just left White Mountain.

In a couple more hours, Ray Redington Jr. will leave 19 minutes before BOTH Mitch Seavey and John Baker, in a three-way race for 6th.

Michael Williams, Jr., DeeDee Jonrowe and Sigrid Ekran will each leave 20 minutes apart, with Ekran out of the Top Ten for now.

Top rookie Brent Sass is on the way to White Mountain, and in the top 15.

Onto the frozen Norton Bay, Jodi Bailey and Lance Mackey are neck-and-neck, leading a large pack of teams, fighting for 21st position.

The back of the pack of Bob Chlupach and Jan Steves are in Galena.

Gerry Willomitzer scratched in Unalakleet.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 4:30am AKDT/7:30am EDT
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

On the Trail to Nome
1. Dallas Seavey (34)
2. Aliy Zirkle (14)
3. Ramey Smyth (21)
4. Aaron Burmeister (44)
5. Peter Kaiser (28)

In White Mountain
6. Ray Redington Jr (2)
7. Mitch Seavey (35)
8. John Baker (11)
9. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
10. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
11. Sigrid Ekran (24)

On the Trail to White Mountain
12. Ken Anderson (39)
13. Brent Sass (50) {R}
14. Sonny Lindner (59)

In Elim
15. Paul Gebhardt (25)
16. Michelle Phillips (26)

On the Trail to Elim
17. Hugh Neff (27)

In Koyuk
18. Martin Buser (41)
19. Rohn Buser (62)

On the Trail to Koyuk
20. Gerald Sousa (58)
21. Jodi Bailey (6)
22. Lance Mackey (18)
23. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
24. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
25. Colleen Robertia (42)
26. Ed Stielstra (45)
27. Nicolas Petit (9)
28. Kelley Griffin (20)
29. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
30. Mike Santos (22) {R}
31. Rick Swenson (60)
32. Jim Lanier (3)
33. Cim Smyth (8)
34. Kelly Maixner (12)

In Shaktoolik
35. Bruce Linton (36)
36. Curt Perano (61) {R}

In Shaktoolik
37. Karin Hendrickson (43)
38. Justin Savidis (38)
39. William Pinkham (4)
40. Scott Janssen (37)
41. Matt Giblin (52)

In Unalakleet
42. Tom Thurston (5)
43. Trent Herbst (16)
44. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
45. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
46. Kristy Berington (31)
47. Art Church, Jr (64)
48. Karen Ramstead (56)

On the Trail to Unalakleet
49. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
50. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
51. Matt Failor (57) {R}
52. Michael Suprenant (13)

In Kaltag
53. Kirk Barnum (47)

On the Trail to Kaltag
54. Dan Seavey (65)

On the Trail to Nulato
55. Bob Chlupach (49)
56. Jan Steves (40) {R}

Scratched
Gerry Willomitzer (23)
Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
Jeff King (10)
Pat Moon (15) {R}
Jake Berkowitz (29)
Lachlan Clarke (66)
Zoya DeNure (53)
Wade Marrs (7)
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #15 - Tuesday Morning Final Stop

It all comes down to 77 miles

After 9 days and 840 miles, it will, as so often happens, come down to a 77 mile sprint to Nome! And a first-time champion will be crowned.

Dallas Seavey arrived in White Mountain 1 hour 11 minutes ahead of Aliy Zirkle. After the mandatory 8-hour rest, Dallas will leave at 8:14am AKDT, Aliy at 9:25. Over the prior 76 miles, Dallas INCREASED his lead by 48 minutes. With both teams rested, it should be a fast 77 miles to Nome! Based on average times from the last 3 years, the run should take anywhere from 9:15 to 10:15, putting the winner in to Nome between 5:30pm AKDT and 6:30pm AKDT (9:30pm EDT – 10:30pm EDT)

Ramey Smyth, a multiple winner of the “Fastest Time From White Mountain to Nome” award, will leave at 10:17am AKDT. While he gained nearly an hour on Dallas on the 76 miles from Koyuk, he would have to DOUBLE that gain to come in first.

Aaron Burmeister appears to have 4th place locked up, with Peter Kaiser next. Mitch Seavey and John Baker are battling for 6th.

Ray Redington Jr., Michael Williams, Jr. and Sigrid Ekran look to round out the Top Ten, with DeeDee Jonrowe just outside.

Brent Sass continues to lead the rookie race, on the trail to Elim and in 14th position.
The rest of the rookies are in Shaktoolik or farther back.

The back of the pack of Bob Chlupach and Jan Steves are in Galena.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 4:30am AKDT/7:30am EDT
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

In White Mountain
1. Dallas Seavey (34)
2. Aliy Zirkle (14)
3. Ramey Smyth (21)
4. Aaron Burmeister (44)

On the Trail to White Mountain
5. Peter Kaiser (28)
6. John Baker (11)
7. Mitch Seavey (35)
8. Ray Redington Jr (2)
9. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
10. Sigrid Ekran (24)
11. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)

In Elim
12. Ken Anderson (39)
13. Sonny Lindner (59)

On the Trail to Elim
14. Brent Sass (50) {R}

In Koyuk
15. Michelle Phillips (26)
16. Paul Gebhardt (25)
17. Hugh Neff (27)

In Shaktoolik
18. Rohn Buser (62)
19. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
20. Martin Buser (41)
21. Rick Swenson (60)
22. Lance Mackey (18)
23. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
24. Colleen Robertia (42)
25. Jodi Bailey (6)
26. Nicolas Petit (9)
27. Ed Stielstra (45)
28. Mike Santos (22) {R}
29. Kelley Griffin (20)
30. Bruce Linton (36)
31. Gerald Sousa (58)
32. Jim Lanier (3)
33. Ryne Olson (46) {R}

In Unalakleet
34. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
35. Cim Smyth (8)
36. Kelly Maixner (12)
37. Curt Perano (61) {R}
38. Karin Hendrickson (43)
39. Scott Janssen (37)
40. Tom Thurston (5)
41. Justin Savidis (38)
42. Matt Giblin (52)

On the Trail to Unalakleet
43. William Pinkham (4)
44. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
45. Kristy Berington (31)
46. Trent Herbst (16)
47. Karen Ramstead (56)
48. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
49. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
50. Art Church, Jr (64)

In Kaltag
51. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
52. Matt Failor (57) {R}
53. Michael Suprenant (13)

On the Trail to Kaltag
54. Kirk Barnum (47)

In Nulato
55. Dan Seavey (65)

In Galena
56. Bob Chlupach (49)
57. Jan Steves (40) {R}

Scratched
Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
Jeff King (10)
Pat Moon (15) {R}
Jake Berkowitz (29)
Lachlan Clarke (66)
Zoya DeNure (53)
Wade Marrs (7)
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #14 - Monday Afternoon Tandem

The “Lead Pair” are to Elim

Dallas Seavey and Aliy Zirkle arrived about 1 mile apart to the Norton Bay coastal town of Elim. From there, it’s another 46 miles to the final mandatory 8-hour rest at White Mountain, then the 77 mile sprint to Nome. They have a nearly 10 mile lead over Aaron Burmeister, who is followed by Ramey Smyth, known for fast runs to the finish. Peter Kaiser and Mitch Seavey, are next, followed by John Baker.

Teams still in Koyuk or crossing the frozen sea from Shaktoolik have little chance of catching the leaders, barring unforeseen problems up front. The forecast looks clear for the race to end on a good trail.

Looking at the last 3 years, when they leave Elim, they will take about 7:30 to get to White Mountain. After the 8 hour break, they averaged 9:30 to Nome. (Lance Macky in 2009 was the fastest winner over that stretch.) So, unless they take a long break in Elim, expect a finish in the vicinity of 5:00pmAKDT/9pmEDT.

The lead rookie, Brent Sass, is crossing the frozen bay on his way to Koyuk. Anjanette Steer and Braxton Peterson have yet to reach Shaktoolik.

The back of the pack of Bob Chlupach and Jan Steves are on the trail moving toward Galena together.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 4:00pm AKDT/8:00pm EDT
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

On the Trail to Elim
1. Dallas Seavey (34)
2. Aliy Zirkle (14)
3. Aaron Burmeister (44)
4. Ramey Smyth (21)
5. Peter Kaiser (28)
6. Mitch Seavey (35)
7. John Baker (11)

In Koyuk
8. Ray Redington Jr (2)
9. Ken Anderson (39)
10. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
11. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
12. Sigrid Ekran (24)
13. Sonny Lindner (59)

On the Trail to Koyuk
14. Brent Sass (50) {R}
15. Michelle Phillips (26)
16. Paul Gebhardt (25)
17. Rohn Buser (62)
18. Martin Buser (41)
19. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}

On the Trail to Shaktoolik
20. Hugh Neff (27)
21. Rick Swenson (60)
22. Lance Mackey (18)
23. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
24. Colleen Robertia (42)
25. Jodi Bailey (6)
26. Nicolas Petit (9)
27. Ed Stielstra (45)

In Unalakleet
28. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
29. Kelley Griffin (20)
30. Gerald Sousa (58)
31. Mike Santos (22) {R}
32. Bruce Linton (36)
33. Jim Lanier (3)
34. Cim Smyth (8)

On the Trail to Unalakleet
35. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
36. Karin Hendrickson (43)
37. Tom Thurston (5)
38. Curt Perano (61) {R}
39. Kelly Maixner (12)
40. Matt Giblin (52)
41. Scott Janssen (37)
42. Justin Savidis (38)
43. William Pinkham (4)
44. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
45. Kristy Berington (31)

In Kaltag
46. Trent Herbst (16)
47. Karen Ramstead (56)
48. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
49. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
50. Art Church, Jr (64)

On the Trail to Kaltag
51. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}

In Nulato
52. Michael Suprenant (13)
53. Matt Failor (57) {R}

On the Trail to Nulato
54. Kirk Barnum (47)

In Galena
55. Dan Seavey (65)

On the Trail to Galena
56. Bob Chlupach (49)
57. Jan Steves (40) {R}

Scratched
Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
Jeff King (10)
Pat Moon (15) {R}
Jake Berkowitz (29)
Lachlan Clarke (66)
Zoya DeNure (53)
Wade Marrs (7)
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #13 - Monday Morning Across the Sound

Leaders are crossing the frozen Norton Sound.

Race leader Dallas Seavey has crossed the ice of the Norton Sound to arrive in Koyuk. That stretch of trail can often be difficult, flat and white and seemingly endless. Fortunately, there was no severe weather to hamper the teams’ progress.

Aliy Zirkle is a couple of hours behind, followed by Aaron Burmeister, John Baker and Mitch Seavey all on the ice, with Peter Kaiser and Ramey Smyth out of Shaktoolik.

The rest-run strategy along the coast will determine the winner, as teams run the 90-plus miles to White Mountain and the final mandatory 8-hour stop, before the 77-mile last leg to Nome.

On Sunday, an unusual number of teams ended their race:
Just before 2:30pm, Lachlan Clarke scratched in Galena. Clarke made the decision to scratch because he was down to a small number of dogs. He had 8 dogs on his team when he made the decision.
At 4:00pm, Jake Berkowitz was withdrawn by Race Marshal Mark Nordman in Unalakleet, with a severely injured hand that needed stitches and would prevent him from properly caring for his team. He was in 6th place at the time.
Twelve minutes later, Pat Moon scratched in Ruby because he was down to 7 dogs and felt he shouldn’t continue with so few. Unfortunately, it was his 2nd scratch in as many attempts, the first in the 2010 race.
Approximately 4:40pm, Jeff King made the tough decision to scratch his team in Unalakleet, after his dogs stopped on the trail and refused to continue.
Nearly simultaneously, rookie Josh Cadzow scratched in Kaltag, saying his team wasn’t enjoying themselves and he felt it was in their best interest to scratch.

In the rookie race, Brent Sass has a sizable lead over Anjanette Steer and Braxton Peterson.

The back of the pack of Dan Seavey, Jan Steves and Bob Chlupach are in Ruby, still needing to take their mandatory 8.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 4:20am AKDST/8:20am EDST
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

In Koyuk
1. Dallas Seavey (34)

On the Trail to Koyuk
2. Aliy Zirkle (14)
3. Aaron Burmeister (44)
4. John Baker (11)
5. Mitch Seavey (35)
6. Peter Kaiser (28)
7. Ramey Smyth (21)

In Shaktoolik
8. Ray Redington Jr (2)
9. Sigrid Ekran (24)
10. Sonny Lindner (59)

On the Trail to Shaktoolik
11. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
12. Ken Anderson (39)
13. Michelle Phillips (26)
14. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
15. Brent Sass (50) {R}

In Unalakleet
16. Paul Gebhardt (25)
17. Rick Swenson (60)
18. Hugh Neff (27)
19. Martin Buser (41)
20. Rohn Buser (62)
21. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
22. Colleen Robertia (42)

On the Trail to Unalakleet
23. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
24. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
25. Jodi Bailey (6)
26. Lance Mackey (18)
27. Nicolas Petit (9)
28. Ed Stielstra (45)
29. Kelley Griffin (20)
30. Mike Santos (22) {R}
31. Bruce Linton (36)
32. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
33. Jim Lanier (3)
34. Gerald Sousa (58)
35. Cim Smyth (8)
36. Tom Thurston (5)

In Kaltag
37. Scott Janssen (37)
38. Curt Perano (61) {R}
39. Kelly Maixner (12)
40. Justin Savidis (38)
41. Karin Hendrickson (43)
42. Matt Giblin (52)

On the Trail to Kaltag
43. William Pinkham (4)
44. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
45. Kristy Berington (31)

In Nulato
46. Trent Herbst (16)
47. Karen Ramstead (56)
48. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
49. Travis Cooper (19) {R}

On the Trail to Nulato
50. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
51. Art Church, Jr (64)

In Galena
52. Michael Suprenant (13)
53. Matt Failor (57) {R}
54. Kirk Barnum (47)

In Ruby
55. Dan Seavey (65)
56. Bob Chlupach (49)
57. Jan Steves (40) {R}

Scratched
Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
Jeff King (10)
Pat Moon (15) {R}
Jake Berkowitz (29)
Lachlan Clarke (66)
Zoya DeNure (53)
Wade Marrs (7)
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #12 - Sunday Morning Spring Forward

Racing to the Bering Sea coast.

Set your clocks ahead, in many time zones.

The front runners, lead by Aliy Zirkle, are racing forward to Unalakleet, on the Bering Sea coast. A lot can happen, as wind, white outs and heavy storms are possible over the final 300 or so miles left in the race. And as hard as Zirkle and Mitch Seavey have pushed, the question becomes can they hold on or will they be overtaken by other teams.

Seavey appears stopped at Old Woman Cabin. Aaron Burmeister is 2nd behind Zirkle, closely followed by John Baker and Dallas Seavey. Jeff King has passed Seavey at Old Woman and then Ken Anderson, Michelle Phillips Jake Berkowitz and Peter Kaiser round out the Top Ten.

In the rookie race, Brent Sass arrived in Kaltag nearly 4 and a half hours ahead of Braxton Peterson

Jan Steves and Bob Chlupach are in the rear, stopped in Cripple.

On Saturday, Zoya Denure scratched for the third year in a row, this time in Cripple, as when she felt her team “didn’t look right” according to her husband, John Schandelmeier.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 5:30am AKDST/9:30am EDST
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

On the Trail to Unalakleet
1. Aliy Zirkle (14)
2. Aaron Burmeister (44)
3. John Baker (11)
4. Dallas Seavey (34)
5. Jeff King (10)
6. Mitch Seavey (35)
7. Ken Anderson (39)
8. Michelle Phillips (26)
9. Jake Berkowitz (29)
10. Peter Kaiser (28)
11. Ray Redington Jr (2)
12. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
13. Sonny Lindner (59)
14. Ramey Smyth (21)
15. Sigrid Ekran (24)
16. Paul Gebhardt (25)
17. Gerry Willomitzer (23)

In Kaltag
18. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
19. Brent Sass (50) {R}
20. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
21. Rick Swenson (60)


On the Trail to Kaltag
22. Hugh Neff (27)
23. Rohn Buser (62)
24. Martin Buser (41)
25. Nicolas Petit (9)
26. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
27. Kelley Griffin (20)

In Nulato
28. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
29. Lance Mackey (18)
30. Bruce Linton (36)
31. Jodi Bailey (6)
32. Colleen Robertia (42)
33. Tom Thurston (5)
34. Mike Santos (22) {R}

On the Trail to Nulato
35. Gerald Sousa (58)
36. Cim Smyth (8)
37. Ed Stielstra (45)
38. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
39. Jim Lanier (3)
40. Curt Perano (61) {R}

In Galena
41. Scott Janssen (37)
42. Justin Savidis (38)
43. Kelly Maixner (12)
44. Karin Hendrickson (43)
45. Lachlan Clarke (66)
46. Matt Giblin (52)
47. Trent Herbst (16)
48. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
49. Kristy Berington (31)
50. William Pinkham (4)

On the Trail to Galena
51. Karen Ramstead (56)
52. Hank Debruin (48) {R}

In Ruby
53. Art Church, Jr (64)
54. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
55. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
56. Michael Suprenant (13)

On the Trail to Ruby
57. Pat Moon (15) {R}
58. Kirk Barnum (47)
59. Matt Failor (57) {R}
60. Dan Seavey (65)

In Cripple
61. Jan Steves (40) {R}
62. Bob Chlupach (49)

Scratched
Zoya DeNure (53)
Wade Marrs (7)
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #9 - Thursday Afternoon Gold Rush

The Gold Rush!

A race of sorts broke out for the $3,000 in gold nuggets awarded to the first team to the halfway point of Cripple. Jim Lanier and Trent Herbst chose not to take their mandatory 24-hour stop, but to continue on. However, the fresh teams coming off their 24 smoked down the trail, with Mitch Seavey nearly catching Lanier outside Cripple. Around 2:00pm local time, Lanier wins the gold!

With the two in front needing a rest, Mitch Seavey is the true race leader, followed by his son, Dallas. Behind them are John Baker, and the man who has made up a lot of time – Lance Mackey. Rounding out the actual Top Ten are Jeff King, DeeDee Jonrowe, Aliy Zirkle, Rick Swenson, Sonny Lindner and Sigrid Ekran.

All teams that are moving have finished their 24 but in the checkpoints, some teams are still resting.

Ryan Redington has decided to scratch in Takotna, saying he has some dogs that aren’t feeling well.

Brent Sass still leads the rookies, followed by Anjanette Steer and Josh Cadzow.

The back of the pack have all made it to McGrath.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 3:00pm AKST/7:00pm ET
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

Teams in RED have yet to 24, and there fore are not actually in 1st and 3rd.

In Cripple
1. Jim Lanier (3)
2. Mitch Seavey (35)

On the Trail to Cripple
3. Trent Herbst (16)
4. Dallas Seavey (34)
5. John Baker (11)
6. Lance Mackey (18)
7. Jeff King (10)
8. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
9. Aliy Zirkle (14)
10. Rick Swenson (60)
11. Sonny Lindner (59)
12. Sigrid Ekran (24)
13. Aaron Burmeister (44)
14. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
15. Ray Redington Jr (2)
16. Hugh Neff (27)
17. Paul Gebhardt (25)
18. Ramey Smyth (21)
19. Brent Sass (50) {R}
20. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
21. Michelle Phillips (26)
22. Tom Thurston (5)
23. Ken Anderson (39)
24. Peter Kaiser (28)
25. Jake Berkowitz (29)
26. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
27. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
28. Jodi Bailey (6)
29. Cim Smyth (8)
30. Gerald Sousa (58)
31. Bruce Linton (36)
32. Kelley Griffin (20)
33. Martin Buser (41)
34. Rohn Buser (62)
35. Colleen Robertia (42)
36. Nicolas Petit (9)

In Ophir
37. Justin Savidis (38)
38. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
39. Wade Marrs (7)

On the Trail to Ophir
40. Curt Perano (61) {R}
41. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
42. Zoya DeNure (53)


In Takotna
43. Mike Santos (22) {R}
44. William Pinkham (4)
45. Ed Stielstra (45)
46. Scott Janssen (37)
47. Lachlan Clarke (66)
48. Karin Hendrickson (43)
49. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
50. Kristy Berington (31)
51. Michael Suprenant (13)
52. Kelly Maixner (12)

On the Trail to Takotna
53. Matt Failor (57) {R}

In McGrath
54. Pat Moon (15) {R}
55. Matt Giblin (52)
56. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
57. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
58. Karen Ramstead (56)
59. Art Church, Jr (64)
60. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
61. Kirk Barnum (47)
62. Jan Steves (40) {R}
63. Bob Chlupach (49)
64. Dan Seavey (65)

Scratched
Ryan Redington (67)
Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #7 - Wednesday Afternoon Patience

Situation Will Clear Up over the next 24 Hours

Where do the teams stand in relation to each other? It’s going to be a while until that gets settled!

With teams taking their mandatory 24-hour rest at different checkpoints, the actual standings do not reflect where the teams are in relation to the racing time. Until every team has taken their 24, a glance at the leaderboard or GPS doesn’t paint the picture. And even if one could sit down and calculate the timings, things on the Iditarod Trail have a way of constantly changing.

So, the situation as it seems at this moment:
Martin Buser and his son, Rohn, blew through Takotna and ended up in Ophir, likely to take their 24.

Meanwhile, teams are piling up in Takotna, many of which are presumably taking their 24. Aliy Zirkle was the first musher in, at 11:30pm AKT. However, with the time-differential, she’ll stay in the checkpoint 25:44. Mitch Seavey and John Baker arrived at 12:09am simultaneously, but Baker will stay 25:50 and Seavey 25:02. Therefore, Mitch can leave at 1:11am, Aliy at 1:14am and John at 1:59am.

So, by tomorrow morning everything will be different! Expect a few more teams to pass through Takotna and push even farther down the trail. This strategy can make or break a race, and is fascinating to watch it unfold!

The back of the pack is moving right along, with Silvia Furtwängler, Jan Steves, Bob Chlupach and Dan Seavey working their way toward Nikolai.

Besides the Buser Boys traveling together, the Berington Twins have been together the entire race, and are in McGrath.

Dallas Seavey is 14 minutes behind his dad, Mitch, with the time makeup.

And while Ryan Redington is far behind his brother, Ray will have to stay an extra 2 hours and 12 minutes beyond the 24 that his brother will.

The Rookies will also adjust, so Brent Sass, Josh Cadzow, Anjanette Steer, Braxton Peterson, Curt Perano and Mike Santos will have their positions known tomorrow as well.

Race fans must have patience...

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 3:00pm AKST/7:00pmm ET
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

In Ophir
1. Martin Buser (41)
2. Rohn Buser (62)

In Takotna
3. Aliy Zirkle (14)
4. John Baker (11)
5. Mitch Seavey (35)
6. Jeff King (10)
7. Dallas Seavey (34)
8. Ray Redington Jr (2)
9. Paul Gebhardt (25)
10. Hugh Neff (27)
11. Aaron Burmeister (44)
12. Sonny Lindner (59)
13. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
14. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
15. Michelle Phillips (26)
16. Peter Kaiser (28)
17. Jake Berkowitz (29)
18. Rick Swenson (60)
19. Cim Smyth (8)
20. Tom Thurston (5)
21. Sigrid Ekran (24)
22. Brent Sass (50) {R}
23. Ramey Smyth (21)
24. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
25. Ken Anderson (39)
26. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
27. Jodi Bailey (6)
28. Bruce Linton (36)
29. Wade Marrs (7)
30. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
31. Lance Mackey (18)
32. Kelley Griffin (20)
33. Nicolas Petit (9)
34. Colleen Robertia (42)
35. Ryan Redington (67)
36. Ed Stielstra (45)
37. Curt Perano (61) {R}
38. Mike Santos (22) {R}
39. William Pinkham (4)
40. Ryne Olson (46) {R}

On the Trail to Takotna
41. Scott Janssen (37)
42. Jim Lanier (3)
43. Lachlan Clarke (66)
44. Karin Hendrickson (43)
45. Trent Herbst (16)

In McGrath
46. Gerald Sousa (58)
47. Justin Savidis (38)
48. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
49. Zoya DeNure (53)

On the Trail to McGrath
50. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
51. Kristy Berington (31)
52. Pat Moon (15) {R}
53. Matt Giblin (52)
54. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
55. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
56. Karen Ramstead (56)
57. Art Church, Jr (64)
58. Michael Suprenant (13)

In Nikolai
59. Kelly Maixner (12)
60. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
61. Kirk Barnum (47)
62. Matt Failor (57) {R}

On the Trail to Nikolai
63. Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}
64. Jan Steves (40) {R}
65. Bob Chlupach (49)
66. Dan Seavey (65)

Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #6 - Wednesday Morning Confusion

“Should I stay or should I go now?”

It’s going to get confusing for a while, as mushers choose where to take their mandatory 24-hour rest. Teams will leap frog each other, and the standings will be unclear. However, after the stops are taken, the standings on the trail will be much more accurate.

Aliy Zirkle was the first musher to reach McGrath, winning the Penair Spirit of Alaska Award. Staying only long enough to accept the award, she quickly left for Takotna, less than 30 minutes before John Baker passed through.

Aliy is first into Takotna, with John Baker, Mitch Seavey, Jeff King, Dallas Seavey, Ray Redington Jr., Paul Gephardt, Hugh Neff and Aaron Burmeister.

Lance Mackey is still in McGrath, and could be taking his 24.

Teams have been moving smoothly, with no scratches at this point in the race.

Dan Seavey is still carrying the Red Lantern in Rohn, right behind the rest of the back of the pack.

In the Rookie race, Brent Sass is quite a bit ahead of Josh Cadzow, Anjanette Steer, Braxton Peterson, Curt Perano and Mike Santos.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 2:45am AKST/6:45am ET
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

In Takotna (Arrival order is unofficial)
1. Aliy Zirkle (14)
2. John Baker (11)
3. Mitch Seavey (35)
4. Jeff King (10)
5. Dallas Seavey (34)
6. Ray Redington Jr (2)
7. Paul Gebhardt (25)
8. Hugh Neff (27)
9. Aaron Burmeister (44)

On the Trail to Takotna
10. Sonny Lindner (59)
11. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
12. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
13. Michelle Phillips (26)
14. Peter Kaiser (28)
15. Jake Berkowitz (29)
16. Rick Swenson (60)
17. Sigrid Ekran (24)
18. Brent Sass (50) {R}
19. Tom Thurston (5)
20. Cim Smyth (8)
21. Ramey Smyth (21)
22. Michael Williams, Jr (51)

In McGrath
23. Lance Mackey (18)
24. Kelley Griffin (20)
25. Jodi Bailey (6)

On the Trail to McGrath
26. Ken Anderson (39)
27. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
28. Nicolas Petit (9)
29. Colleen Robertia (42)
30. Ryan Redington (67)
31. Bruce Linton (36)
32. Martin Buser (41)
33. Wade Marrs (7)
34. Rohn Buser (62)
35. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
36. Gerald Sousa (58)
37. Jim Lanier (3)
38. Justin Savidis (38)
39. Ed Stielstra (45)
40. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
41. Curt Perano (61) {R}
42. Trent Herbst (16)
43. Mike Santos (22) {R}

In Nikolai
44. Zoya DeNure (53)
45. William Pinkham (4)
46. Kelly Maixner (12)
47. Lachlan Clarke (66)
48. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
49. Scott Janssen (37)
50. Karin Hendrickson (43)
51. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
52. Kristy Berington (31)
53. Pat Moon (15) {R}
54. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
55. Matt Giblin (52)
56. Michael Suprenant (13)
57. Art Church, Jr (64)
58. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
59. Karen Ramstead (56)

On the Trail to Nikolai
60. Kirk Barnum (47)
61. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
62. Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}
63. Matt Failor (57) {R}
64. Jan Steves (40) {R}
65. Bob Chlupach (49)

In Rohn
66. Dan Seavey (65)

Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #4 - Tuesday Morning To The Burn

Out of the mountains, and into the interior.

Leaving Rohn, teams always face some of the worse trail conditions – gravel, bare ground, open water, glacier, buffalo…after 15 miles or so, they’ll come to Farewell Lake, where some will choose to rest. Beyond that, they’ll enter the Farewell Burn, a desolate site of Alaska’s largest forest fire, in 1974. With high winds a snow, the trail could be drifted in areas. There are a few hunting and fishing camps to stop at, as teams near the next checkpoint of Nikolai.

Aliy Zirkle led the teams out of Rohn, then stopped for a break along the trail. Lance Mackey is now leading into the Burn, followed by John Baker, Zirkle and Hugh Neff.

Several teams are stopped along Tin Creek, prior to Farewell Lake. The times into Nikolai will set the standings.

The rest of the teams are spread out back to Rohn, a few are along the trail from Rainy Pass, with the back of the pack of Silvia Furtwängler, Jan Steves, Bob Chlupach and Matt Failor on the trail to Rainy, with Dan Seavey still in Finger Lake.

In the Rookie race, Brent Sass is first, 14th overall, in the 2nd pack out of Rohn. Braxton Peterson is next out of Rohn, followed by Anjenette Steer with Josh Cadzow still in Rohn.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 4:00am AKST/8:00am ET
(based on tracker data and Official Standings):

On the Trail to Nikolai
1. Lance Mackey (18)
2. John Baker (11)
3. Aliy Zirkle (14)
4. Hugh Neff (27)
5. Paul Gebhardt (25)
6. Ray Redington Jr (2)
7. Aaron Burmeister (44)
8. Kelley Griffin (20)

Stopped at Tin Creek (order dependent on leave times)
9. Jodi Bailey (6)
10. Cim Smyth (8)
11. Jeff King (10)
12. Mitch Seavey (35)
13. Michelle Phillips (26)
14. Brent Sass (50) {R}

Out of Rohn
15. Ramey Smyth (21)
16. Dallas Seavey (34)
17. Rick Swenson (60)
18. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
19. Sonny Lindner (59)
20. Nicolas Petit (9)
21. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
22. Jim Lanier (3)
23. Jake Berkowitz (29)
24. Peter Kaiser (28)
25. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
26. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
27. Sigrid Ekran (24)
28. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
29. Ken Anderson (39)
30. Bruce Linton (36)

In Rohn
31. Kelly Maixner (12)
32. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
33. Tom Thurston (5)
34. Colleen Robertia (42)
35. Wade Marrs (7)
36. Ryan Redington (67)
37. Martin Buser (41)
38. Justin Savidis (38)
39. Scott Janssen (37)
40. Karin Hendrickson (43)
41. William Pinkham (4)
42. Rohn Buser (62)
43. Gerald Sousa (58)
44. Curt Perano (61) {R}
45. Trent Herbst (16)
46. Zoya DeNure (53)
47. Lachlan Clarke (66)
48. Mike Santos (22) {R}
49. Ed Stielstra (45)

On the Trail to Rohn
50. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
51. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
52. Kristy Berington (31)
53. Pat Moon (15) {R}
54. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
55. Matt Giblin (52)
56. Karen Ramstead (56)

In Rainy Pass
57. Michael Suprenant (13)
58. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
59. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
60. Art Church, Jr (64)
61. Kirk Barnum (47)

On the way to Rainy Pass.
62. Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}
63. Jan Steves (40) {R}
64. Bob Chlupach (49)
65. Matt Failor (57) {R}

In Finger Lake
66. Dan Seavey (65)

Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Yukon Quest Update #22

And then there were two…

Shortly after midnight local time in Whitehorse, Brian Wilmshurst became the 16th musher to cross the finish line. Misha Pedersen followed an hour later.

Marcelle Fressineau is past the McCabe Creek Dog Drop and heading towards the Carmacks checkpoint.

Current Red Lantern Michael Telpin has left Pelly Crossing, and is moving toward McCabe Creek.

Standings as of 7:30am ET:

Finished
1 Hugh Neff (6)
2 Allen Moore (1)
3 Lance Mackey (16)
4 Jake Berkowitz (13) (R)
5 Brent Sass (10)
6 Joar Leifseth Ulsom (17) (R)
7 Sonny Lindner (3)
8 Abbie West (21)
9 Kristy Berington (2) (R)
10 Dave Dalton (4)
11 Kyla Durham (7)
12 Trent Herbst (22) (R)
13 Gus Guenther (20) (R)
14 Paige Drobny (12) (R)
15 Yuka Honda (19) (R)
16 Brian Wilmshurst (11) (R)
17 Misha Pedersen (5) (R)

On the trail to Carmacks
18 Marcelle Fressineau (15) (R)

On the trail to McCabe Creek
19 Michael Telpin (24) (R)

Scratched:
Nikolay Ettyne (14) (R)
Maren Bradley (23) (R)
Jason Weitzel (9) (R)
Mike Ellis (18)

Withdrawn:
Kurt Reich (8) (R)

Yukon Quest Update #20

The Top Ten are in!

Dave Dalton finished in 10th place, with 12 dogs. Arriving last evening, it was his 17th finish in the Quest.

A few hours later, Kyla Durham crossed the finish line. She was running a puppy team from Brent Sass.

Trent Herbst waited 3 hours to leave Braeburn and avoid the heat of the afternoon. He should be finishing in an hour or so.

He was followed a couple of hours later by Gus Guenther and Paige Drobny, who appear to be resting about halfway to Whitehorse.

Yuka Honda left Braeburn shortly before midnight local time.

Brian Wilmshurst and Misha Pedersen both arrived in Braeburn before midnight for their mandatory 8 hour rest, and will be able to leave in a couple of hours.

Marcelle Fressineau is shown to be on the move, having passed the Stepping Stone Hospitality stop, on the way towards Pelly Crossing. Not known at this time if the stop was manned or not.

Still no word on Michael Telpin’s whereabouts. Information on these two will be announced as soon as available.

Unofficial Standings as of 7:30am ET:

Finished
1 Allen Moore (1)
2 Hugh Neff (6)
3 Lance Mackey (16)
4 Jake Berkowitz (13) (R)
5 Brent Sass (10)
6 Joar Leifseth Ulsom (17) (R)
7 Sonny Lindner (3)
8 Abbie West (21)
9 Kristy Berington (2) (R)
10 Dave Dalton (4)
11 Kyla Durham (7)

On the way to Whitehorse
12 Trent Herbst (22) (R)
13 Gus Guenther (20) (R)
14 Paige Drobny (12) (R)
15 Yuka Honda (19) (R)

In Braeburn
16 Brian Wilmshurst (11) (R)
17 Misha Pedersen (5) (R)

On the trail to Pelly Crossing
18 Marcelle Fressineau (15) (R)
19 Michael Telpin (24) (R)

Scratched:
Nikolay Ettyne (14) (R)
Maren Bradley (23) (R)
Jason Weitzel (9) (R)
Mike Ellis (18)

Withdrawn:
Kurt Reich (8) (R)

Yukon Quest Update #19

The beat goes on – teams steadily march towards the finish line.

Abbie West and Kristy Berington finished in 8th and 9th place this morning.

Dave Dalton is tantalizingly close to rounding out the Top Ten.

Kyla Durham is twenty miles behind Dave.

Trent Herbst should be on his way to Whitehorse, waiting for confirmation.

Gus Guenther and Paige Drobny will leave Braeburn nearly together later this evening, and Yuka Honda shortly before midnight local time.

Brian Wilmshurst, followed by Misha Pedersen, are on the way to Braeburn.

Marcelle Fressineau has stopped between Scroggie Creek and Stepping Stone.

Michael Telpin’s whereabouts are unknown at this time. Information on these two will be announced as soon as available.

Unofficial Standings as of 6:30pm ET:

Finished
1 Allen Moore (1)
2 Hugh Neff (6)
3 Lance Mackey (16)
4 Jake Berkowitz (13) (R)
5 Brent Sass (10)
6 Joar Leifseth Ulsom (17) (R)
7 Sonny Lindner (3)
8 Abbie West (21)
9 Kristy Berington (2) (R)

On the way to Whitehorse
10 Dave Dalton (4)
11 Kyla Durham (7)

In Braeburn
12 Trent Herbst (22) (R)
13 Gus Guenther (20) (R)
14 Paige Drobny (12) (R)
15 Yuka Honda (19) (R)

On the way to Braeburn
16 Brian Wilmshurst (11) (R)
17 Misha Pedersen (5) (R)

On the trail to Pelly Crossing
18 Marcelle Fressineau (15) (R)
19 Michael Telpin (24) (R)

Scratched:
Nikolay Ettyne (14) (R)
Maren Bradley (23) (R)
Jason Weitzel (9) (R)
Mike Ellis (18)

Withdrawn:
Kurt Reich (8) (R)

Yukon Quest Update #18

Twenty-four hours after the race was decided by mere seconds, teams are still on the march towards the finish line in Whitehorse.

Perennial Quest favorite Brent Sass rounds out the Top Five.

24-year-old Norwegian rookie Joar Leifseth Ulsom took 6th place, 14 minutes ahead of 61-year-old Sonny Lindner, winner of the first-ever Yukon Quest in 1984. The two seemingly raced each other the entire trail.

Abbie West appears to be nearing the finish line ahead of Kristy Berington.
Dave Dalton should finish in 10th.

Kyla Durham will be back on the trail within the hour for the run to the finish.

Paige Drobny, Trent Herbst, Gus Guenther, Yuka Honda and Brian Wilmshurst are on the way to Braeburn.

Misha Pedersen is on her way to Carmacks.

Marcelle Fressineau has passed through Stepping Stone. Current Red Lantern Michael Telpin is not there yet, whereabouts unknown as his tracker isn’t working. As checkpoints clear out, it is hopeful the two will be able to continue to the finish line, as long as they have access to supplies.

Unofficial Standings as of 7:30am ET:

Finished
1 Allen Moore (1)
2 Hugh Neff (6)
3 Lance Mackey (16)
4 Jake Berkowitz (13) (R)
5 Brent Sass (10)
6 Joar Leifseth Ulsom (17) (R)
7 Sonny Lindner (3)

On the way to Whitehorse
8 Abbie West (21)
9 Kristy Berington (2) (R)
10 Dave Dalton (4)

In Braeburn
11 Kyla Durham (7)

On the way to Braeburn
12 Paige Drobny (12) (R)
13 Trent Herbst (22) (R)
14 Gus Guenther (20) (R)
15 Yuka Honda (19) (R)
16 Brian Wilmshurst (11) (R)

On the trail to Carmacks
17 Misha Pedersen (5) (R)

On the trail to Pelly Crossing
18 Marcelle Fressineau (15) (R)
19 Michael Telpin (24) (R)

Scratched:
Nikolay Ettyne (14) (R)
Maren Bradley (23) (R)
Jason Weitzel (9) (R)
Mike Ellis (18)

Withdrawn:
Kurt Reich (8) (R)

Yukon Quest Update #17

Nearly 12 hours after Hugh Neff crossed the finish line in Whitehorse 26 seconds before Allen Moore, over half of the field is still on the trail.

At 5:14am local, Neff won his first-ever dog race of any length, in the closest finish in the race’s history. Overcoming a 30-minute penalty for losing his axe, which put him 42 minutes behind the veteran Moore, who ran a strong race and led the entire 2nd half, the long-time contender Neff raced hard, and passed to take the lead with less than 5 miles left of the race.

Lance Mackey finished some five-plus hours later, and Rookie-of-the-Year Jake Berkowitz followed 2 more hours behind.

Brent Sass is on his way in for 5th, Sonny Lindner and Joar Leifseth Ulsom are about an hour apart.

Abbie West and Kristy Berington are taking their mandatory 8 in Braeburn, Dave Dalton and Kyla Durham and on their way.

Trent Herbst, Paige Drobny and Gus Guenther are in Carmacks, Yuka Honda, Brian Wilmshurst and Misha Pedersen are on their way. Marcelle Fressineau and Michael Telpin have left Dawson and hope to make it to the finish line, as trail support begins to wane.

Unofficial Standings as of 7:30pm ET:

Finished
1 Allen Moore (1)
2 Hugh Neff (6)
3 Lance Mackey (16)
4 Jake Berkowitz (13) (R)

On the way to Whitehorse
5 Brent Sass (10)
6 Sonny Lindner (3)
7 Joar Leifseth Ulsom (17) (R)

In Braeburn
8 Abbie West (21)
9 Kristy Berington (2) (R)

On the way to Braeburn
10 Dave Dalton (4)
11 Kyla Durham (7)

In Carmacks
12 Trent Herbst (22) (R)
13 Paige Drobny (12) (R)
14 Gus Guenther (20) (R)

On the trail to Carmacks
15 Yuka Honda (19) (R)
16 Brian Wilmshurst (11) (R)
17 Misha Pedersen (5) (R)

Out of Dawson City
18 Marcelle Fressineau (15) (R)
19 Michael Telpin (24) (R)

Scratched:
Nikolay Ettyne (14) (R)
Maren Bradley (23) (R)
Jason Weitzel (9) (R)
Mike Ellis (18)

Withdrawn:
Kurt Reich (8) (R)

Yukon Quest Update #15

At 4:23pm local time, 7:23 Eastern, Allen Moore will depart Braeburn, with 100 miles left to make history, as the only husband-and-wife duo to win the Yukon Quest – his wife Aliy Zirlke won it in 2000, becoming the first – and only – female musher to do so.
Due to Hugh Neff serving a 30-minute penalty for losing his axe, he will leave 42 minutes behind Allen. Not insurmountable, but certainly a challenge, to make up in 100 miles.
Lance Mackey and his young team will depart just over 3 hours later, basically out of the running. Jake Berkowitz follows 2 and a half hours after Lance, so it is possible, although doubtful, that he could overtake Lance for 3rd.

With the run times estimated around 12 hours, the estimated time of arrival in Whitehorse is 4:30am local time, or 7:30am ET, give or take an hour.

Brent Sass looks to have a spot in the top five. Sonny Lindner will attempt to hold off Norwegian rookie Joar Leifseth Ulsom for 6th place.

Kristy Berington and Abbie West are trading off 8th place, and Dave Dalton looks to round out the Top Ten.

The rest of the field is on the move, with the exception of the Russian Michael Telpin sitting out his 36 in Dawson with a departure time of 7:22pm local time.

Unofficial Standings as of 7:30pm ET:

In Braeburn
1 Allen Moore (1)
2 Hugh Neff (6)
3 Lance Mackey (16)
4 Jake Berkowitz (13) (R)

On the way to Braeburn
5 Brent Sass (10)
6 Sonny Lindner (3)
7 Joar Leifseth Ulsom (17) (R)

In Carmacks
8 Kristy Berington (2) (R)
9 Abbie West (21)

On the trail to Carmacks
10 Dave Dalton (4)
11 Kyla Durham (7)

On the trail to Pelly
12 Trent Herbst (22) (R)
13 Paige Drobny (12) (R)
14 Gus Guenther (20) (R)
15 Yuka Honda (19) (R)
16 Brian Wilmshurst (11) (R)
17 Misha Pedersen (5) (R)

Out of Dawson City
18 Marcelle Fressineau (15) (R)

In Dawson City
19 Michael Telpin (24) (R)

Scratched:
Nikolay Ettyne (14) (R)
Maren Bradley (23) (R)
Jason Weitzel (9) (R)
Mike Ellis (18)

Withdrawn:
Kurt Reich (8) (R)

Yukon Quest Update #14

Monday morning, and the leaders are approaching Braeburn, the final checkpoint, for a mandatory 8 hour rest, and then the 100 mile run to the finish line. While positions are still a bit fuzzy, its most likely down to a two-team race:
Allen Moore and Hugh Neff. The two left the Carmacks Checkpoint minutes apart, and would presumably keep each other within range. However, Hugh will serve a 30-minute penalty for losing his axe, so he will leave start the final leg of the race behind Allen, in all likelihood.

Lance Mackey is running a young team, and while he does get the best out of his teams, he has been losing time on the frontrunners in the last couple of days, and was last reported 3 hours behind. Does he have the “Mackey Magic” in him? The sprint to the finish will be as exciting as always!

Jake Berkowitz is 6 hours behind the leaders, and needs 3 hours to overtake Lance for 3rd. Jake should take Rookie of the Year. Brent Sass looks to have a lock on 4th place. Sonny Lindner, winner of the first-ever Quest in 1984, and 24-year-old Norwegian rookie Joar Leifseth Ulsom are still contesting 6th place.

Abbie West and Kristy Berington are making good time, Dave Dalton is in Pelly Crossing, with Kyla Durham on the way.

Gus Guenther,Trent Herbst, Paige Drobny, Yuka Honda, Brian Wilmshurst and Misha Pedersen have left Dawson for the second half of their race. Marcelle Fressineau will leave in a few hours, with Russian Michael Telpin able to leave later this evening.

Unofficial Standings as of 8:00am ET:

On the way to Braeburn
1 Hugh Neff (6)
2 Allen Moore (1)
3 Lance Mackey (16)
4 Jake Berkowitz (13) (R)

In Carmacks
5 Brent Sass (10)

On the trail to Carmacks
6 Sonny Lindner (3)
7 Joar Leifseth Ulsom (17) (R)
8 Abbie West (21)
9 Kristy Berington (2) (R)

In Pelly Crossin
10 Dave Dalton (4)

On the trail to Pelly
11 Kyla Durham (7)

Out of Dawson City
12 Gus Guenther (20) (R)
13 Trent Herbst (22) (R)
14 Paige Drobny (12) (R)
15 Yuka Honda (19) (R)
16 Brian Wilmshurst (11) (R)
17 Misha Pedersen (5) (R)

In Dawson City
18 Marcelle Fressineau (15) (R)
19 Michael Telpin (24) (R)

Scratched:
Nikolay Ettyne (14) (R)
Maren Bradley (23) (R)
Jason Weitzel (9) (R)
Mike Ellis (18)

Withdrawn:
Kurt Reich (8) (R)