Iditarod Update #4 - In Iditarod

Lance Mackey won $3,000 in gold by winning the GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award for being the first musher to the historic ghost town of Iditarod. Joining him are Sonny Lindner and Jeff King. While those three appear to be taking their mandatory 24-hour rest, Martin Buser has joined them. With his 24 out of the way, any distance he puts between them will be the actual race lead.

Aaron Burmeister is 10 miles out of Iditarod, and should also be passing the others on their mandatory stay.

The back of the pack is primarily in McGrath taking their 24, with Newton Marshall resting in Nikolai.

Reports of high winds limiting visibility, with the prospect for high temps and rain, are the cause of concern for many of the teams.

Unofficial Standings as of 4:30pm ET:

In Iditarod

1.     Lance Mackey (5)

2.     Sonny Lindner (67)

3.     Jeff King (18)

4.     Martin Buser (2)

On the trail to Iditarod

5.     Aaron Burmeister (24)

6.     Jason Mackey (12)

7.     Mitch Seavey (36)

8.     Jim Lanier (59)

9.     Aliy Zirkle (27)

10. Peter Kaiser (10)

11. Jake Berkowitz (44)

12. Joar Leifseth Ulsom (32) {R}

13. Ken Anderson (6)

14. Nicolas Petit (16)

15. Paul Gebhardt (11)

16. Jessie Royer (30)

17. Ray Redington Jr (52)

18. DeeDee Jonrowe (28)

19. Dallas Seavey (19)

20. Michelle Phillips (7)

21. Cim Smyth (51)

22. Matt Failor (61)

23. John Baker (13)

24. Brent Sass (62)

25. Gerry Willomitzer (21)

26. Ramey Smyth (38)

27. Kelly Maixner (25)

28. Kelley Griffin (9)

29. Justin Savidis (34)

30. Robert Bundtzen (23)

31. Michael Williams, Jr. (46)

32. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}

33. Jessica Hendricks (54)

34. Allen Moore (48)

35. Aaron Peck (58)

In Ophir

36. Jodi Bailey (4)

On the trail to Ophir

37. Mike Williams, Sr. (35)

38. Wade Marrs (57)

39. Curt Perano (45)

40. Mike Ellis (50) {R}

41. Paige Drobny (14) {R}

42. Linwood Fiedler (42)

43. Karin Hendrickson (29)

In Takotna

44. Kristy Berington (20)

45. Anna Berington (31)

46. Richie Diehl (65) {R}

47. Cindy Gallea (17)

48. Louie Ambrose (53) {R}

On the trail to Takotna

49. Mikhail Telpin (63) {R}

50. Travis Beals (22) {R}

51. Gerald Sousa (49)

52. Matt Giblin (64)

In McGrath

53. Rudy Demoski, Sr. (39)

54. Charley Bejna (15) {R}

55. Luan Ramos Marques (47) {R}

56. Angie Taggart (40)

57. Michael Suprenant (33)

58. Jan Steves (26)

59. Bob Chlupach (43)

60. David Sawatzky (56)

61. James Volek (66) {R}      

62. Christine Roalofs (37) {R}

63. Cindy Abbott (60) {R}

In Nikolai

64. Newton Marshall (8)

SCRATCHED

Ed Stielstra (41)

Scott Janssen (3)

Iditarod Update #3 - In Ophir

The race frontrunners have reached Ophir, where the trail splits into Northern and Southern routes. This year, being an odd number, the trail turns South towards the race namesake of Iditarod, where some will take their mandatory 24.

Jake Berkowitz and Nicolas Petit were the first to arrive in Ophir, with Sonny Lindner and Lance Mackey on their way in. The next group is in Takotna, possibly taking their 24. The back of the pack are all out of Rohn, with Newton Mashall, Cindy Abbott and Gerald Sousa camped along the trail outside of Rohn.

Ed Stielstra scratched after the ceremonial start, as he suffered head injuries while training at his home in Michigan. And last years' hero, the 'Mushing Mortician' Scott Janssen scratched at Rainey Pass, as he was concerned for the attitude of his dogs.

Unofficial Standings as of 9:30am ET (based on trackers and checkpoint reports)

In Ophir

1.     Jake Berkowitz (44)

2.     Nicolas Petit (16)

On the trail to Ophir

3.     Sonny Lindner (67)

4.     Lance Mackey (5)

In Takotna

5.     Aaron Burmeister (24)

6.     Aliy Zirkle (27)

7.     Mitch Seavey (36)

8.     Jessie Royer (30)

9.     Peter Kaiser (10)

10. DeeDee Jonrowe (28)

11. Dallas Seavey (19)

12. Paul Gebhardt (11)

13. Ray Redington Jr (52)

14. Joar Leifseth Ulsom (32) {R}

15. Michelle Phillips (7)

16. Ken Anderson (6)

17. Jeff King (18)

18. John Baker (13)

19. Cim Smyth (51)

20. Gerry Willomitzer (21)

21. Brent Sass (62)

22. Kelley Griffin (9)

23. Ramey Smyth (38)

On the trail to Takotna

24. Mike Williams, Sr. (35)

25. Allen Moore (48)

26. Michael Williams, Jr. (46)

In McGrath

27. Jason Mackey (12)

28. Justin Savidis (34)

29. Robert Bundtzen (23)

30. Kelly Maixner (25)

31. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}

32. Jim Lanier (59)

33. Aaron Peck (58)

34. Jessica Hendricks (54)

On the trail to McGrath

35. Wade Marrs (57)

36. Paige Drobny (14) {R}

37. Jodi Bailey (4)

38. Mike Ellis (50) {R}

39. Curt Perano (45)

40. Martin Buser (2)

41. Karin Hendrickson (29)

42. Linwood Fiedler (42)

43. Kristy Berington (20)

44. Anna Berington (31)

45. Travis Beals (22) {R}

46. Louie Ambrose (53) {R}

47. Rudy Demoski, Sr. (39)

48. Richie Diehl (65) {R}

49. Matt Giblin (64)

50. Charley Bejna (15) {R}

In Nikolai

51. Matt Failor (61)

On the trail to Nikolai

52. Cindy Gallea (17)

53. Luan Ramos Marques (47) {R}

54. Michael Suprenant (33)

55. Angie Taggart (40)

56. James Volek (66) {R}      

57. Jan Steves (26)

58. Bob Chlupach (43)

59. Christine Roalofs (37) {R}

60. Mikhail Telpin (63) {R}

61. David Sawatzky (56)

62. Newton Marshall (8)

63. Cindy Abbott (60) {R}

64. Gerald Sousa (49)

SCRATCHED

Ed Stielstra (41)

Scott Janssen (3)

Iditarod Update #11 - Friday Afternoon On The River

Rollin’ down the river…

Although Mitch Seavey was first into Ruby, and winning the “First to the Yukon River” award, Aliy Zirkle blew through Ruby and into first place, rolling down the river leaaving the rest of the leaders behind. Many teams will choose to take their mandatory Yukon River 8-hour rest in Ruby. Aliy “might” be planning on taking hers at Galena and hope to be fresh off her 8, when the rest of the lead pack catch up with her.

Also in Ruby are Dallas Seavey, John Baker, Aaron Burmeister, Jeff King, DeeDee Jonrowe, Ray Redington, Jr, Sonny Lindner and Jake Berkowitz, rounding out the Top Ten.

Jim Lanier and Trent Herbst should soon be leaving Cripple after completing their 24.

Rookies Brent Sass and Josh Cadzow are neck-and-neck, with Anjanette Steer and Braxton Peterson coming behind.

The back of the pack will be wrapping up their 24s, with Dan Seavey complete later this evening and Matt Failor shortly after in Ophir.

The Loon’s Mushing Report will take OUR 24, and be back Saturday evening.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 1:00pm AKST/5:00pm ET
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

Teams in RED have yet to complete their 24 rest.

On the Trail to Galena
1. Aliy Zirkle (14)

In Ruby
2. Mitch Seavey (35)
3. Dallas Seavey (34)
4. John Baker (11)
5. Aaron Burmeister (44)
6. Jeff King (10)
7. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
8. Ray Redington Jr (2)
9. Sonny Lindner (59)
10. Peter Kaiser (28)
11. Jake Berkowitz (29)
12. Sigrid Ekran (24)
13. Michelle Phillips (26)

On the Trail to Ruby
14. Ken Anderson (39)
15. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
16. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
17. Brent Sass (50) {R}
18. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
19. Lance Mackey (18)
20. Ramey Smyth (21)
21. Rick Swenson (60)
22. Paul Gebhardt (25)
23. Hugh Neff (27)
24. Kelley Griffin (20)
25. Rohn Buser (62)
26. Martin Buser (41)
27. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
28. Bruce Linton (36)
29. Colleen Robertia (42)
30. Tom Thurston (5)
31. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
32. Jodi Bailey (6)
33. Nicolas Petit (9)
34. Cim Smyth (8)
35. Gerald Sousa (58)
36. Ed Stielstra (45)
37. Curt Perano (61) {R}

In Cripple
38. Jim Lanier (3)
39. Trent Herbst (16)
40. Justin Savidis (38)
41. Scott Janssen (37)
42. Mike Santos (22) {R}
43. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
44. Lachlan Clarke (66)
45. Zoya DeNure (53)
46. Karin Hendrickson (43)
47. Kelly Maixner (12)
48. William Pinkham (4)

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

In Ophir
58. Matt Failor (57) {R}
59. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
60. Kirk Barnum (47)

In Takotna
61. Dan Seavey (65)

On the Trail to Takotna
62. Jan Steves (40) {R}
63. Bob Chlupach (49)

In McGrath

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


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #10 - Friday Morning Chase

Follow Along with Mitch.

As predicted, Mitch Seavey is the race leader, out of Cripple approaching Ruby, and the “First to the Yukon River” award, followed by Dallas Seavey and John Baker. Aliy Zirkle, who chose to go through Cripple and rest along the trail, is next.

Behind them is the always-tenacious Aaron Burmeister, legendary musher Jeff King, fan favorite DeeDee Jonrowe having a great run, respected musher Sonny Lindner, former Rookie-of-the-Year Sigrid Ekran and Iditarod race royalty Ray Redington, Jr. keeping the family name relevant.

Just outside the Top Ten are two young up-and-coming mushers Peter Kaiser and Jake Berkowitz.

Other than Jim Lanier, the First to the Halfway winner, and Trent Herbst, both in Cripple, and some of the back in the pack, all teams have completed their mandatory 24-hour rest stop.

They all have to take a mandatory 8-hour break at a checkpoint somewhere along the Yukon River, at Ruby, Galena, Nulato or Kaltag.

Wade Marrs scratched in Ophir. Wade was running the team from Scotsman Wattie McDonald, who was unable to attend at the last minute, due to family matters.

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

In the back of the pack, Dan Seavey is in Takotna, likely taking his 24. Kirk Barnum, Jan Steves and Bob Chlupach are taking their 24 in McGrath.

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

Teams in RED have yet to complete their 24 rest.

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

In Cripple
16. Jim Lanier (3)
17. Trent Herbst (16)
18. Lance Mackey (18)
19. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
20. Brent Sass (50) {R}
21. Paul Gebhardt (25)
22. Hugh Neff (27)
23. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
24. Rick Swenson (60)
25. Ramey Smyth (21)
26. Kelley Griffin (20)
27. Tom Thurston (5)
28. Rohn Buser (62)
29. Martin Buser (41)
30. Nicolas Petit (9)
31. Colleen Robertia (42)
32. Jodi Bailey (6)
33. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
34. Bruce Linton (36)
35. Cim Smyth (8)
36. Gerald Sousa (58)
37. Lachlan Clarke (66)
38. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}

On the Trail to Cripple
39. Justin Savidis (38)
40. Scott Janssen (37)
41. Curt Perano (61) {R}
42. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
43. Mike Santos (22) {R}
44. Zoya DeNure (53)
45. Ed Stielstra (45)
46. Karin Hendrickson (43)
47. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
48. Kristy Berington (31)
49. William Pinkham (4)
50. Kelly Maixner (12)
51. Karen Ramstead (56)
52. Michael Suprenant (13)

In Ophir
53. Matt Failor (57) {R}
54. Matt Giblin (52)
55. Pat Moon (15) {R}
56. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
57. Art Church, Jr (64)
58. Travis Cooper (19) {R}

In Takotna
59. Dan Seavey (65)

On the Trail to Takotna
60. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}

In McGrath
61. Kirk Barnum (47)
62. Jan Steves (40) {R}
63. Bob Chlupach (49)

Scratched
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}

Yukon Quest Update #21

Lost musher found!

OK, he wasn’t lost at all – simply, his location was unknown for over 36 hours! Russian musher Michael Telpin pulled in to the Stepping Stone Hospitality stop, his team looking good, before noon local time, much to the joy of Quest fans around the world.

Trent Herbst crossed the finish line in 12th place in the early morning hours.

Several hours later, Gus Guenther finished, followed by Paige Drobny 20 minutes behind.

Yuka Honda crossed the line this afternoon, smiling about her 15ht place finish, and collecting the final piece of the purse.

Brian Wilmshurst and Misha Pedersen should arrive sometime overnight, with Marcelle Fressineau in Pelly Crossing, and current Red Lantern holder Michael Telpin approaching.

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)
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)

On the way to Whitehorse
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 #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)

Yukon Quest Update #12

The second half is under way!
Earlier this afternoon, the Yukon Quest restarted in Dawson City. Allen Moore left the checkpoint 19 minutes ahead of Lance Mackey. The rest of the top five, Hugh, Jake and Brent are all on the trail. It’s shaping up to be an exciting run to the finish!

The rest of the field is in Dawson on their 36 hour break, with the exception of Marcelle Fressineau and Michael Telpin, who are still on their way in.

Unofficial Standings as of 11:00pm ET:

On the trail
1 Allen Moore (1)
2 Lance Mackey (16)
3 Hugh Neff (6)
4 Jake Berkowitz (13) (R)
5 Brent Sass (10)

In Dawson City
6 Sonny Lindner (3)
7 Joar Leifseth Ulsom (17) (R)
8 Abbie West (21)
9 Kristy Berington (2) (R)
10 Dave Dalton (4)
11 Kyla Durham (7)
12 Paige Drobny (12) (R)
13 Gus Guenther (20) (R)
14 Trent Herbst (22) (R)
15 Yuka Honda (19) (R)
16 Brian Wilmshurst (11) (R)
17 Misha Pedersen (5) (R)

On the trail to 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 #11

Halftime Report
In a little over 8 hours, Allen Moore will resume the race in First Place, as he’ll head out of Dawson ahead of Lance Mackey by 19 minutes. Hugh Neff, Jake Berkowitz, Brent Sass and Sonny Lindner are still within 6 hours of the leader, and can’t be counted out just yet.

The top 11 teams are taking their much-needed 36-hour break, as their handlers are allowed to care for the dogs, while the mushers go into town to eat and sleep.

The rest of the field is on the trail to Dawson, with the lone exception of Michael Telpin, who is in Eagle. The Russian musher is running Chukchi Dogs - the native dog of the Chukotka region of Russia. These dogs are larger and slower than the traditional Alaskan Huskies most racers run. He’s taking his time and his dogs look good.

Unofficial Standings as of 8:00am ET:

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

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

In Eagle
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)