Iditarod 2015 Final Results

The 2015 Iditarod race is officially over, with Cindy Abbott taking the Red Lantern on her third attempt at finishing the race.

At the awards banquet, Thomas Waerner received the Rookie of the Year for the rookie who placed the highest. The complete list of award winners is on the Iditarod website at http://iditarod.com/eye-on-the-trail-iditarod-xliii-is-history/

Here are the final Official Results:

1.     Dallas Seavey (46)

2.     Mitch Seavey (18)

3.     Aaron Burmeister (63)

4.     Jessie Royer (3)

5.     Aliy Zirkle (32)

6.     Joar Leifseth Ulsom (16)

7.     Jeff King (59)

8.     Wade Marrs (65)

9.     Ken Anderson (36)

10. Nicolas Petit (12)

11. Travis Beals (56)

12. Paul Gebhardt (28)

13. Kelly Maixner (9)

14. Peter Kaiser (54)

15. Christian Turner (73)

16. Ray Redington Jr (34)

17. Thomas Waerner (8) {R}

18. Jason Campeau (70) {R}

19. Hugh Neff (24)

20. Michelle Phillips (6)

21. John Baker (78)

22. Martin Buser (4)

23. Richie Diehl (42)

24. Nathan Schroeder (26)

25. Mats Pettersson (55)

26. Scott Smith (69)

27. Paige Drobny (58)

28. Anna Berington (39)

29. Kristy Berington (11)

30. Jodi Bailey (22)

31. DeeDee Jonrowe (29)

32. Curt Perano (21)

33. Justin Savidis (19)

34. Charley Bejna (38)

35. Seth Barnes (23) {R}

36. Benjamin Harper (37) {R}

37. Linwood Fiedler (27)

38. Allen Moore (57)

39. Mike Santos (61)

40. Rohn Buser (31)

41.  Matt Failor (15)

42. Jason Mackey (72)

43. Lance Mackey (30)

44. Rick Casillo (52)

45. Timothy Hunt (68)

46. Laura Allaway (49) {R}

47. Monica Zappa (53)

48. Heidi Sutter (76) {R}

49. Lisbet Norris (41)

50. Rob Cooke (2) {R}

51. Chuck Schaeffer (67) {R}

52. Brian Wilmshurst (50) {R}

53. Yvonne Dabakk (33)

54. Lev Shvarts (40) {R}

55. Yuka Honda (60) {R}

56. Alan Stevens (77) {R}

57. Becca Moore (47) {R}

58. Steve Watkins (66) {R}

59. Mark Selland (17) {R}

60. Alan Eischens (7) {R}

61. Isabelle Travadon (43) {R}

62. Marcelle Fressineau (25)

63. Lachlan Clarke (5)

64. Cindy Gallea (64)

65. Trent Herbst (75)

66. Cindy Abbott (10) {R}

Scratched

Zoya DeNure (79)

Gwenn Bogart (14) {R}

Christine Roalofs (62)

Philip Walters (51) {R}

Ellen Halverson (35)

Gerald Sousa (44)

Jan Steves (45)

Katherine Keith (74)

Jim Lanier (13)

Scott Janssen (20)

Bryan Bearss (48)

Withdrawn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 #22 - Sunday Morning Survivors

The final 3 teams have the finish in sight, as the persevering teams continuously finish.

Over the last 36 hours, Art Church, Jr, William Pinkham, twins sisters Anna and Kristy Berington, Justin Savidis, Travis Cooper. Jaimee Kinzer, Matt Failor, Hank Debruin and Karen Ramstead have all finished, rounding out the Top 50.

Dan Seavey has just reached Safety, and should finish this morning.

Bob Chlupach and Jan Steves can leave White Mountain a little after noon today, for the 10 – 12 hour run to Nome.

Nice job by all these teams to carry on to the finish!

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 6:30am AKDT/10:30am 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)
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)

On the Trail to Nome
51. Dan Seavey (65)

In White Mountain
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 #20 - Friday Morning Trekking

Dog teams are continuing the slow, steady march to Nome.

Rick Swenson finished in 30th, followed by SP Kennel rookie Ryne Olson, veterans Kelly Maixner and Jim Lanier.

Twelve teams are either on the trail to Nome or in White Mountain, with 5 more on their way to White Mountain or still in Elin.

Dan Seavey is still on the ice of the bay.

Bob Chlupach and Jan Steves are escorting the Red Lantern toward Shaktoolik.

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)
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)

On the Trail to Nome
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}

In White Mountain
41. William Pinkham (4)
42. Kristy Berington (31)
43. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
44. Art Church, Jr (64)
45. Justin Savidis (38)

On the Trail to White Mountain
46. Karen Ramstead (56)
47. Travis Cooper (19) {R}

In Elim
48. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
49. Matt Failor (57) {R}
50. Hank Debruin (48) {R}

On the Trail to Koyuk
51. Dan Seavey (65)

On the Trail to Shaktoolik
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 #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 #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}

Yukon Quest Update #25

The Red Lantern is in!

The 2012 Yukon Quest officially ended Sunday night at 8:05 local time when Michael Telpin crossed the finish line in Whitehorse. The Russian musher finished with all 9 of his native Chukchi dogs, winning the Challenge of the North Award as the musher “who most exemplifies the Spirit of the Yukon Quest.”
The race ended 15 days, 8 hours, 5 minutes, 22 seconds after it started.

Rookie Marcelle Fressineau finished only 45 minutes before, making it a closer finish than it appeared it was going to be.

Complete Final Standings:
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)
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 #24

The last leg.

Marcelle Fressineau hit the trail to the finish line in Whitehorse Saturday evening.
Current Red Lantern Michael Telpin should have left by now.

It should take them around 17 – 20 hours to finish/

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 Whitehorse
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 #23

Final two still on the move.

Marcelle Fressineau and current Red Lantern Michael Telpin have both left Carmacks and are on the way to Braeburn, about 30 miles apart. They both should arrive there on Sunday.

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 Braeburn
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 #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 #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 #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)

Iditarod '11 Update 18- Final Standings

The race is officially over.

The 2011 Iditarod race is over, with Ellen Halverson finishing last to take the Red Lantern. It’s her 2nd in as many attempts.

Official Standings

1. John Baker (53)
2. Ramey Smyth (30)
3. Hans Gatt (23)
4. Dallas Seavey (21)
5. Hugh Neff (35)
6. Sebastian Schnuelle (31)
7. Ray Redington Jr (3)
8. Peter Kaiser (54)
9. Ken Anderson (4)
10. Jessie Royer (58)
11. Aliy Zirkle (18)
12. DeeDee Jonrow (2)
13. Michael Williams, Jr (41)
14. Sven Haltmann (45)
15. Sonny Lindner (52)
16. Lance Mackey (17)
17. Michelle Phillips (39)
18. Martin Buser (11)
19. Robert Nelson (51)
20. Rick Swenson (49)
21. Cim Smyth (59)
22. Matt Hayashida (61)
23. Bruce Linton (65) (13)
24. Allen Moore (5)
25. Trent Herbst (4)
26. Kelley Griffin (20)
27. Ed Stielstra (56)
28. Nicolas Petit {R} (14) Rookie of the Year
29. Kristy Berington (7)
30. Kelly Maixner {R} (55)
31. Jodi Bailey {R} (16)
32. Lachlan Clarke (42)
33. Magnus Kaltenbrn {R} (22)
34. Paul Johnson (46)
35. Cain Carter {R} (48)
36. Wattie McDonald (38)
37. Billy Snodgrass (24)
38. Gerald Sousa (62)
39. Justin Savidis {R} (63)
40. Matt Giblin (60)
41. Tom Thurston (25)
42. Scott Janssen {R} (32)
43. Angie Taggart {R} (19)
44. Kirk Barnum (47)
45. G.B. Jones (40)
46. Heather Siirtola (50)
47. Ellen Halverson (26)


ROOKIES
Finished
28 Nicolas Petit {R} (14)
30 Kelly Maixner {R} (55)
31 Jodi Bailey {R} (16)
33 Magnus Kaltenbrn {R} (22)
35 Cain Carter {R} (48)
39 Justin Savidis {R} (63)
42 Scott Janssen {R} (32)
43 Angie Taggart {R} (19)

SCRATCHED
Bob Storey {R}
Mitch Seavey
Melissa Owens
Zoya DeNure
Jessica Hendricks
Paul Gebhardt
Gerry Willomitzer
Newton Marshall
Judy Currier
James Bardoner {R}
Brennan Norden {R}
Robert Bundtzen
Mike Santos {R}
Kris Hoffman {R}
Karin Hendrickson (37)

Yukon Quest Update #21

Red Lantern

Hank DeBruin takes the Red Lantern in 13 days, 10 hours and 54 minutes, ending the 2011 Yukon Quest.

Earlier in the day, Tamara Rose, Kyla Durham and Jerry Joinson arrived in Fairbanks.

At the Banquet, the awards were given. A new award was created this year to honor the dogs that exhibit strong character and perseverance out on the trail. The award is named after its first recipient. Silver, from Brent Sass’ team. In 2006, during a storm on Eagle Summit, Silver was instrumental in assisting a musher in trouble and another team to get over the summit. Again, this year, Silver was key for Brent in getting his team and Hans Gatt’s over American summit outside the city of Eagle. The Silver Legacy Award will be given to honor future canines for their incredible deeds and feats of bravery and honor.

The Golden Harness Award went to Dallas Seavey’s dogs Diesel and Chung.

The Dawson City Award went to Ken Anderson.

The Rookie of the Year went to the 2011 Yukon Quest Champion Dallas Seavey.

The Challenge of the North award is presented to the musher who most exemplified the Spirit of the Yukon Quest, went to Kelley Griffin.

The Veterinarian’s Choice Award for best dog care went to Mike Ellis.

The Sportsmanship Award is presented to the musher who demonstrates sportsmanship along the trail as selected by their fellow mushers. This year, there was a three-way tie in the musher voting which race officials chose not to break. Instead, they issued the Award to all three mushers: Mike Ellis, Allen Moore and Brent Sass. The three mushers each conveyed the same message – that this year, the award could have gone to each and every musher, because everyone was out there helping each other.

Final Standings

1. Dallas Seavey (3)
2. Sebastian Schnuelle (11)
3. Ken Anderson (18)
4. Brent Sass (22)
5. Kelley Griffin (1)
6. Allen Moore (24)
7. Jodi Bailey (17)
8. Mike Ellis
9. David Dalton (23)
10. Tamara Rose (12)
11. Kyla Durham (14)
12. Jerry Joinson (21)
13. Hank DeBruin (19)

Scratched

Denis Tremblay (2)

Allen Dennis (20)

Michelle Phillips (4)

Wade Marrs (15)

Clint Warnke (25)

Didier Moggia (7)

Joshua Cadzow (16)

Hans Gatt (13)

Dan Kaduce (10)

Withdrawn

Christine Roalofs (9)

Hugh Neff (8)

Johannes Rygh (6)

Trip to U.P. 200 Dog Races

Angie and & went to Marquette, Michigan this past weekend to attend the UP 200 sled dog races. We left early Friday morning for the 9-hour drive, plus the time zone change. From Madison to Green Bay, it was basically solid town all the way. Boring and similar. After we got north of Green Bay, the scenery started to change, getting thicker with woods the farther north we went. We had a great stretch along the shore of Lake Michigan, beautiful jumbled ice. There are tons of lake-side houses for sale.



Angie took these with her phone while we were driving - the view was better in person.

We eventually got to our cheap motel and met our mushing friend Shannon Miller and her friend Jon Mattsen. They were there to run the Jack Pine, a 30-mile, 6-dog race, a goal of mine. Shannon has been mentoring me, giving me advice and introducing me to other mushers. She was bringing puppies she raised to be delivered to the new owners, including us!


Excited to be at the start!

The 200 mile race starts on Friday night, so we went downtown to see the start. We met some of the "big-time" mushers and saw their dog trucks and trailers. I knew a few of the people from Facebook and/or emails, so it was nice to meet in person. There were 30-some teams, running 12 dogs. The excitement kept building until the first team took off - and then the rest of the dogs went crazy! We made our way to the sidelines - they had trucked in some snow for a 10-foot wide path down the main street. There were several thousand people lining the trail. in town, with bonfires and parties all along the trail. There is also the Midnight Run, which is a 100 mile race that starts simultaneously in another town for 8-dog teams. It was great seeing the teams start, the dogs pulling so hard that the snow is flying out behind their feet, with the mushers riding the brakes for all they got!


Going so fast they are a blur!

Saturday morning, we piled into the two dog trucks and headed south to the little town of Gwinn, where the Jack Pine starts. With a bit of a late start, and taking the longer route, we arrived with little time to spare before the race started. We helped (as much as we could) our friends get their teams ready, then lead them to the starting chute. Six eager dogs are hard to hold back, one wrong step and you could be dragged several feet! (I witnessed at least two handlers being dragged!) By the time we were in position to start, the dogs were freaking, ready to run! Countdown and away they ran! We packed up the trucks and headed back to Marquette for the finish.

Cool pier at the finish area

In the parking lot, we had 2 to 3 hours to kill before the first team arrived. Angie had our puppy, Maggie, and our new friend from Minnesota, Kathleen, was there to bring home Ginsberg. Those puppies were ROCK STARS! People swarmed all over them, took photos, asked questions, it was great!

The new moms - photo courtesy Shannon Miller

Eventually, the teams started coming in. Our friend Jon came in 7th. After 12 of the 13 teams were in, Shannon had yet to make an appearance. She was running three of her own dogs and three she borrowed from Jon, so she anticipated the possibility of problems, having never ran those dogs before. And as time went on, we started getting a little nervous! Eventually, I received a photo text from her - it was her dogs, taking a break! They had gotten tired on the mountain. The trail actually goes over the ski mountain, and many teams had problems getting their dogs to go under the ski lift. She took a break, switched some dogs around, and got some help to get them past the ski area. She was laughing and joking, so we knew she'd be fine. Red lantern to the last team to finish!

Photo text from Shannon

The next morning, we loaded up the puppy and our two new dogs, and took the long road home. It was fairly uneventful, but we were sure glad to get home!


Historic Lambeau Field

It was quite the learning experience for me, so many things that I am still in 'information overload'! I sure know many new things to try and do.

Next post: We get NEW DOGS!

Iditarod 2009 Final Standings

Iditarod 2009 Final Standings

1 Lance Mackey
2 Sebastian Schnuelle
3 John Baker
4 Mitch Seavey
5 Cim Smyth
6 Dallas Seavey
7 Aaron Burmeister
8 Jessie Royer
9 Ramey Smyth
10 Hans Gatt
11 Sonny Lindner
12 Jeff King
13 DeeDee Jonrowe
14 Ken Anderson
15 Hugh Neff
16 Paul Gebhardt
17 Aliy Zirkle
18 Martin Buser
19 Warren Palfrey
20 Ray Redington, Jr
21 Matt Hayashida
22 Sven Haltmann
23 Linwood Fiedler
24 Gerry Willomitzer
25 Rick Swenson
26 Judy Currier
27 Gerald Sousa
28 Bruce Linton
29 Robert Nelson
30 Chad Lindner R
31 Jake Berkowitz
32 Ed Stielstra
33 Allen Moore
34 Robert Bundtzen
35 Jim Lanier
36 Ryan Redington
37 Harry T Alexie R
38 Bill Cotter
39 Rick Larson
40 Karin Hendrickson
41 Cindy Gallea
42 Mike Williams
43 Jen Seavey R
44 Tom Thurston R
45 Rachael Scdoris
46 Tim Osmar

47 Wade Marrs R 18 year old rookie and this years’ youngest musher
48 Trent Herbst
49 Michael Suprenant R
50 Eric Rogers
51 Heather Siirtola
52 Dr. Timothy Hunt R Red Lantern

Scrathed/withdrawn:
David Sawatzky
Ed Iten
Melissa Owens
Aaron Peck
Alan Peck R
Jeff Holt
Laura Daugereau
Lou Packer R
Blake Matray R
Kim Darst R
Kurt Reich R
Rob Loveman R
Bjornar Andersen
Nancy Yoshida R
Bob Hickel

* R = Rookie

Iditarod Update #56 - The End!

The 2009 Iditarod is Over

The final mushers are in Nome:
47 Wade Marrs, the 18 year old rookie and this years’ youngest musher
48 Trent Herbst
49 Michael Suprenant
50 Eric Rogers
51 Heather Siirtola

And the Red Lantern winner in 52nd place:
Dr. Timothy Hunt, a former veterinarian many times on the Iditarod may times, a rookie musher on the Iditarod, experienced on many other races, the Grande Odyssee in Europe.


Complete standings, recap and trail stories to come.