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 #21 - Friday Afternoon Finishers

Teams came in throughout the day, and will continue tonight and tomorrow.

Rookie Mike Santos finished 34th this morning, followed by Bruce Linton, Karin Hendrickson, Matt Giblin, Trent Herbst and Scott Janssen.

Curt Perano from New Zealand has just crossed under the burled arch in 40th place.

The final 13 remaining teams are still working their way toward Nome.

Dan Seavey is made it into Koyuk after his adventure getting lost on the ice.

Bob Chlupach and Jan Steves are resting in Shaktoolik.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 1:45pm AKDT/5:45pm 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}

On the Trail to Nome
41. Art Church, Jr (64)
42. William Pinkham (4)
43. Kristy Berington (31)
44. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
45. Justin Savidis (38)
46. Travis Cooper (19) {R}

In White Mountain
47. Karen Ramstead (56)

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

In Koyuk
51. Dan Seavey (65)

In 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 #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 #19 - Thursday Afternoon Standings

It's nearly 2 days after Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey arrived in Nome, and just over half the field is in.

This morning, father and son team of Martin and Rohn Buser finished, coming in side-by-side. A little later, Gerald Sousa finished the Top 20.

Lance Mackey and Jodi Bailey sprinted from Safety to the finish line, with Mackey crossing just 2 minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Bailey to place 22nd. Bailey made the 22 mile run 21 minutes faster than Mackey, leading to the close finish.

Cim Smyth, with another fast run, finished 24th, with Ed Stielstra rounding out the Top 25.

Rookie of the Year Brent Sass finished earlier, in 13th, and the next rookies of Anjanette Steer and Braxton Peterson have also made it to Nome.

Kelley Griffin and Nicolas Petit are in, with 5-time champion Rick Swenson just outside, in 30th, the final “money” position, with the rest of the finishers to get a symbolic $1,049.

Dan Seavey is out of Shaktoolik and approaching the frozen Norton Bay.

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

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 2:45pm AKDT/6:45pm 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)

On the Trail to Nome
30. Rick Swenson (60)
31. Kelly Maixner (12)
32. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
33. Jim Lanier (3)

In White Mountain
34. Mike Santos (22) {R}
35. Bruce Linton (36)

On the Trail to White Mountain
36. Karin Hendrickson (43)
37. Matt Giblin (52)
38. Trent Herbst (16)
39. Curt Perano (61) {R}
40. Scott Janssen (37)

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

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

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

On the Trail to Koyuk
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}

Mackey and Bailey Sprint to Finish in Top 25!

Lance Mackey crossed the finish line in Nome just 2 minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Jodi Bailey to place 22nd and 23rd in the 2012 Iditarod. Closing the gap over the last stretch from Safety, Bailey made the 22 mile run 21 minutes faster than the 4-time champ. Both teams were spotted running hard up off the ice and down Front Street. Considering the challenges of the nearly thousand-mile race, it is a good finish for both teams!

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}

Leaders out of Koyuk

Dallas Seavey left Koyuk 22 minutes ahead of Aliy Zirkle. He had over an hour's more rest than she did. Getting exciting...

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 #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}

Weekend Races March 9 - 11

The mushing season begins to slow down, with no thanks to Mother Nature

March 9 - 10
The Canadian Open
Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
Unlimited (20-25 miles); 10 Dog (12-15 miles); 6 Dog (7-9 miles)
www.streeperkennels.com/canadianopen/

March 9 – 11
Limited North American Championships
Jeff Studdert Race Grounds, Fairbanks, Alaska
4 Dog (4.8/4.8/6.2 miles); 6 Dog (6.2/6.2/8 miles); 8 Dog (11/11/12.5 miles); Skijoring 1-3 Dog (4.8/4.8/6.2 miles)
www.sleddog.org/

Western Alaska Championship
Dillingham, Alaska
Open Class Sprint
(15-20 miles/day)
http://www.beaverroundup.org/

Mush For a Cure
Gunflint Trail/Grand Marais, Minnesota
Distance 24 miles; Sprint 4 miles; Skijoring 4 miles
www.MushForaCure.com/

Les Internationaux de Traineau à Chiens du Canada
Daaquam, St-Just-de-Bretenières, Québec
Sprint 4 Dog (5 miles); 6 Dog (6 miles); 8 Dog (8 miles); Illimted (16 miles); Skijoring 1 Dog Men (6 miles); 1 Dog Women (6 miles); Distance 6 Dog (16 miles) all dog; 6 Dog (16 miles) pure breed
www.daaquam.org/

March 9 - 16
Kalevala 2012
Russia, Republic of Karelia, Kalevala National Region, Kalevala
Stage 6-8 Dog (440km)
Skijoring1-2 Dog (100km); 2 Dog (440km); 1-2 Dogs (23 km) (Race-Prologue); Teams - 4 Dogs (23 km) (Race-Prologue), 6 Dogs (23 km) (Race-Prologue)
http://huskygo.karelia.ru/en/

March 10
Nighthawks Sled Dog Races * Canceled *
North Stratford, New Hampshire
4-6 Dog (15 miles); 6-8 Dog (30 miles)
http://www.northcountrymushers.com/stratford12.htm

Last Minute Smokin' Sled Dog Run * Canceled *
Smokey Hills near Osage, Minnesota
Sprint 3 Dog Jr.; 4 Dog & 6 Dog Sport, Purebred, Jr's and Pro's

March 10 – 11
Stanley Sled Dog Rendezvous
Stanley, Idaho
12 Dog (30 miles/day); 8 Dog (20 miles/day ); 6 Dog (10 miles/day); Skijoring 2 Dog (4 miles); 2 Dog (2 miles)
www.stanley.id.gov/

Rosebud Run * Canceled *
Didsbury, Alberta, Canada
Open and Purebred: 6 Dog (5 miles); 4 Dog (4 miles); Skijoring 2 Dog (4 miles); 2 Dog (2 miles)
http://www.rosebudrun.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/rosebudrun

Foresthill Sled Dog Winter Classic * Canceled *
Foresthill, California
6 Dog Mid-Distance (13 miles); Sprint 8 Dog (8 miles); 6 Dog (6 miles); 4 Dog (4 miles); 3 Dog (3 miles); Jr 3 Dog (3 miles); Skijoring 2 Dog (3 miles)
http://foresthillchamber.org/events.htm

Winter Park Sled Dog Races * Canceled *
Winter Park, Colorado
4 Dog (4 miles); 6 Dog (6 miles); 8 Dog (8 miles); Skijoring 2 Dog (6 miles); 1 Dog (4 miles); 3 Dog Jr (4 miles)
www.RMSDC.com/

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}

Iditarod Update #8 - Thursday Morning Race Resumes

Leaders Refreshed

Teams are wrapping up their mandatory 24-hour rest stops, and hitting the trail again, as the race heats up for real. The standings will begin to sort themselves out, but a new wrinkle may appear to bother race fans: solar flares are heading this way, threatening communications. For the mushers, it means spectacular Northern Lights.

Jim Lanier is out in front, having not taken his 24, apparently after the $3,000 in gold nuggets for the Halfway Award in Cripple. Trent Herbst is also past Ophir without taking his 24.

They may be in front, but they won’t be the leaders for long, for there is a freight train coming, of strong, fast teams who are well rested. The time-adjustment shook up the order, and in reality, these are the race leaders, as they will pass Martin and Rohn Buser in Ophir, and Lanier and Herbst wherever they take their 24.

Lance Mackey completed his 24 in McGrath about the same time as Mitch, so he is less than 3 hours out of first place. Race on!

Rookie German musher Silvia Furtwängler is the first team to scratch, in Nikolai, due to personal health concerns.

The Top Rookies are in Takotna, with Brent Sass and Josh Cadzow about an hour apart, then Anjanette Steer, Curt Perano, Ryne Olson and Mike Santos bunched together.

The back of the pack of Jan Steves, Bob Chlupach and Dan Seavey are resting in Nikolai.

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

(Highlighted Teams have completed mandatory 24-hour break)

On the Trail to Cripple
1. Jim Lanier (3)
2. Trent Herbst (16)

In Ophir
3. Martin Buser (41)
4. Rohn Buser (62)

On the Trail to Ophir
5. Mitch Seavey (35)
6. Aliy Zirkle (14)
7. Dallas Seavey (34)
8. John Baker (11)
9. Jeff King (10)
10. Sonny Lindner (59)
11. Aaron Burmeister (44)

In Takotna
12. Ray Redington Jr (2)
13. Paul Gebhardt (25)
14. Hugh Neff (27)
15. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
16. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
17. Michelle Phillips (26)
18. Peter Kaiser (28)
19. Jake Berkowitz (29)
20. Rick Swenson (60)
21. Cim Smyth (8)
22. Sigrid Ekran (24)
23. Tom Thurston (5)
24. Brent Sass (50) {R}
25. Ramey Smyth (21)
26. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
27. Ken Anderson (39)
28. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
29. Jodi Bailey (6)
30. Bruce Linton (36)
31. Wade Marrs (7)
32. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
33. Curt Perano (61) {R}
34. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
35. Mike Santos (22) {R}
36. William Pinkham (4)
37. Ed Stielstra (45)
38. Scott Janssen (37)
39. Lachlan Clarke (66)
40. Karin Hendrickson (43)
41. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
42. Kristy Berington (31)
43. Michael Suprenant (13)

On the Trail to Takotna
44. Lance Mackey (18)
45. Kelley Griffin (20)

In McGrath
46. Nicolas Petit (9)
47. Colleen Robertia (42)
48. Ryan Redington (67)
49. Gerald Sousa (58)
50. Justin Savidis (38)
51. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
52. Zoya DeNure (53)
53. Pat Moon (15) {R}
54. Matt Giblin (52)
55. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
56. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
57. Karen Ramstead (56)
58. Art Church, Jr (64)
59. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
60. Kirk Barnum (47)

On the Trail to McGrath
61. Kelly Maixner (12)
62. Matt Failor (57) {R}

In Nikolai
63. Jan Steves (40) {R}
64. Bob Chlupach (49)
65. Dan Seavey (65)

Scratched
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 #5 - Tuesday Afternoon Exodus

Aliy Zirkle was the first musher to reach the interior town of Nikolai at 9:14 this morning, followed by John Baker, Lance Mackey and Hugh Neff within an hour.

After resting 4 and a half hours, she made the move back on the trail about an hour ago. John Baker, Jeff King, Mitch Seavey and Hugh Neff lead the expected mass exodus of teams to follow along in the next stretch to McGrath.

Now, the REAL game begins! When to take your mandatory 24-hour break is always an important strategy move. Some choose to take it early, and then make a strong run while others are just shutting down. Other teams push as far as they can to get a good lead, then rest as the other teams try to catch up. Paul Gephard is one to often push as far down the trail, and could 24 as late as Cripple or Ruby. John Baker has stated he will 24 at Takotna no matter what the other teams do. It will be interesting to watch it play out. When the dust clears, all the teams will be on the same timeframe, and the ‘leader’ might be more apparent.

There has been a steady, constant stream of teams stretched out in a parade from Rohn to Nikolai all day. In red lantern position is 74-year old, and veteran of the first Iditarod in 1973, Dan Seavey, father of Mitch and grandfather to Dallas. Dan followed some incorrect trail markers and ended up losing 16 miles outside Swkentna. He is on the way to Rohn.

In the Rookie race, Brent Sass is first into Nikolai ahead of Josh Cadzow.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 3:30pm AKST/7:30pm ET
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

On the Trail to McGrath
1. Aliy Zirkle (14)
2. John Baker (11)
3. Jeff King (10)
4. Mitch Seavey (35)
5. Hugh Neff (27)

In Nikolai (Arrival order is unofficial)
6. Lance Mackey (18)
7. Ray Redington Jr (2)
8. Paul Gebhardt (25)
9. Aaron Burmeister (44)
10. Dallas Seavey (34)
11. Rick Swenson (60)
12. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
13. Sonny Lindner (59)
14. Michelle Phillips (26)
15. Peter Kaiser (28)
16. Jake Berkowitz (29)
17. Nicolas Petit (9)
18. Brent Sass (50) {R}
19. Ramey Smyth (21)
20. Kelley Griffin (20)
21. Jodi Bailey (6)
22. Cim Smyth (8)
23. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
24. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
25. Sigrid Ekran (24)
26. Ken Anderson (39)
27. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
28. Tom Thurston (5)
29. Ryan Redington (67)
30. Bruce Linton (36)
31. Wade Marrs (7)
32. Colleen Robertia (42)
33. Jim Lanier (3)
34. Justin Savidis (38)

On the Trail to Nikolai
35. Martin Buser (41)
36. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
37. Rohn Buser (62)
38. Gerald Sousa (58)
39. Curt Perano (61) {R}
40. Mike Santos (22) {R}
41. Zoya DeNure (53)
42. William Pinkham (4)
43. Ed Stielstra (45)
44. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
45. Trent Herbst (16)
46. Kelly Maixner (12)
47. Lachlan Clarke (66)
48. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
49. Kristy Berington (31)
50. Karin Hendrickson (43)
51. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
52. Scott Janssen (37)
53. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
54. Pat Moon (15) {R}
55. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
56. Karen Ramstead (56)
57. Matt Giblin (52)

In Rohn
58. Michael Suprenant (13)
59. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
60. Art Church, Jr (64)
61. Kirk Barnum (47)

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

Iditarod Update #3 - Monday Afternoon

Monday afternoon, and Hugh Neff is the first team heading out of Rainy Pass, quickly followed by Ray Redington, Jr. The lead pack will want to tackle the Dalzell Gorge on the way to Rohn in the daylight.

Ray Redington, Jr., Hugh Neff, Lance Mackey and Aliy Zirkle were the first teams into Rainy.

Reports are in that while The Happy River Steps are returned as part of the trail, they have been significantly cleared and were relatively in good shape. Stories may yet come out about this section, especially from rookies.

Ramey Smyth had a “rookie moment” – he apparently fell asleep and lost his team prior to Finger Lake. Rohn Buser stopped to let a team pass him from behind, and realized there was no driver, so he gave chase and eventually caught the team when they tangled. After 45 minutes on foot, Ramey was picked up by Jeff King and brought to his team. All the dogs were in good health, and the only loss was Ramey’s pride.

Most of the pack is in Rainy Pass, on their way there, or in Finger Lake. The back of the pack bringing up the rear towards Finger Lake, consist of rookies Travis Cooper, Silvia Furtwängler, Jan Steves and Matt Failor, with “veteran” musher Dan Seavey – age 74 – one place ahead of Failor.

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 3:30pm AKST/7:30pm ET
(based on tracker data and Official Standings):

On the Trail to Rohn
1. Hugh Neff (27)
2. Ray Redington Jr (2)

In Rainy Pass
3. Lance Mackey (18)
4. Aliy Zirkle (14)
5. Jim Lanier (3)
6. Paul Gebhardt (25)
7. Cim Smyth (8)
8. Jeff King (10)
9. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
10. Bruce Linton (36)
11. Nicolas Petit (9)
12. John Baker (11)
13. Mitch Seavey (35)
14. Scott Janssen (37)
15. Peter Kaiser (28)
16. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
17. Colleen Robertia (42)
18. Tom Thurston (5)
19. Michelle Phillips (26)
20. Justin Savidis (38)
21. Jake Berkowitz (29)
22. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
23. Sigrid Ekran (24)
24. Jodi Bailey (6)
25. Ken Anderson (39)
26. Sonny Lindner (59)
27. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
28. Wade Marrs (7)
29. Dallas Seavey (34)
30. Brent Sass (50) {R}
31. Ryan Redington (67)
32. Kelly Maixner (12)
33. Aaron Burmeister (44)
34. Martin Buser (41)

On the Trail to Rainy Pass
35. William Pinkham (4)
36. Kelley Griffin (20)
37. Rick Swenson (60)
38. Rohn Buser (62)
39. Lachlan Clarke (66)
40. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
41. Ramey Smyth (21)
42. Gerald Sousa (58)
43. Trent Herbst (16)
44. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
45. Karin Hendrickson (43)
46. Zoya DeNure (53)
47. Ed Stielstra (45)
48. Curt Perano (61) {R}
49. Mike Santos (22) {R}

In Finger Lake
50. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
51. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
52. Kristy Berington (31)
53. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
54. Matt Giblin (52)
55. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
56. Karen Ramstead (56)
57. Art Church, Jr (64)
58. Kirk Barnum (47)
59. Pat Moon (15) {R}
60. Michael Suprenant (13)
61. Bob Chlupach (49)

Not Yet in Finger Lake
62. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
63. Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}
64. Jan Steves (40) {R}
65. Dan Seavey (65)
66. Matt Failor (57) {R}

Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #2 - Midday Monday

At 12:30pm ET, based on tracker information, Ray Redington, Jr. and Hugh Neff have cleared The Happy River Steps and are approaching Rainy Pass. They will likely rest several hours and then move down The Dazell Gorge to Rohn while it is still light out. Lance Mackey, Aliy Zirkle and Jim Lanier have also cleared The Steps.

Paul Gephardt is next, followed by Kelley Griffin, Cim Smyth and Jeff King.

Much of the pack is in Finger Lake, or on the trail from Skwentna.

More will be clear later as the checkpoint standings are published.

Iditarod Update #1 - 12 Hours In

The race is just over 12 hours in, and teams are all over the place with rest/run strategy, as they head towards Finger Lake.

Ray Redington, Jr. was the first team in to Skwentna, followed by Jodi Bailey and Aliy Zirkle.

Nicolas Petit is the farthest down the trail at this point, past Shell Lake, site of an annual fan bonfire. Close behind is Tom Thurston.

Redington, Jr. is leading the next pack, with Hugh Neff, John Baker, Lance Mackey and a whole string of teams strung out to Yentna Station, where rookie Matt Failor was the last to leave, nearly two hours behind the first teams.

Things will get a bit more clear as teams reach Finger Lake. They then will head towards Rainy Pass, but will have to negotiate the infamous “Happy River Steps”, recently reinstated to the race trail. It’s a long way to Nome, and anything can happen. Stay tuned…

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 7:30am ET (based on tracker data and Official Standings):

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

In Skentna
36. Jeff King (10)
37. Michelle Phillips (26)
38. Michael Suprenant (13)
39. Ramey Smyth (21)
40. Justin Savidis (38)
41. Scott Janssen (37)
42. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
43. Zoya DeNure (53)
44. Ed Stielstra (45)
45. Karin Hendrickson (43)
46. Ryan Redington (67)
47. Rohn Buser (62)
48. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
49. Curt Perano (61) {R}
50. Karen Ramstead (56)
51. Art Church, Jr (64)
52. Matt Giblin (52)
53. Dan Seavey (65)

On the Trail to Skwentna
54. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
55. Mike Santos (22) {R}
56. Pat Moon (15) {R}
57. Kristy Berington (31)
58. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
59. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
60. Lachlan Clarke (66)
61. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
62. Kirk Barnum (47)
63. Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}
64. Jan Steves (40) {R}
65. Bob Chlupach (49)
66. Matt Failor (57) {R}


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Mushing Loon 2012 Iditarod Top Ten Picks

In one of the toughest years to predict, I could easily see a dozen teams win it!
Based on this year’s race results, musher experience and histories, plus my own instinct, I come up with the same battle for the win AGAIN!

1. Lance Mackey
2. Jeff King
3. Aliy Zirkle
4. John Baker
5. Hugh Neff
6. Cim Smith
7. Jake Berkowitz
8. Dallas Seavey
9. Brent Sass
10. Ray Redington Jr,

WINNING TIME
9d, 10h, 45m 10s

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Brent Sass

Iditarod To Begin Today

The 40th running of the Iditarod, “The Last Great Race” is set to start today at 10am Alaska Time, 2pm Eastern, with the ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage. The actual race begins Sunday at 2pm AKT, 6pm ET, in Willow.

Things of note:

Brothers Ray Redington, Jr. and Ryan Redington, grandsons' of Joe Redington, the “Father of the Iditarod”, bookend the field, starting first and last, respectively.

Veteran Kristy Berington starts two positions in front of her twin sister, rookie Anna.

Dallas Seavey starts immediately in front of his father, Mitch. Mitch’s father, Dan, is starting 64th. Dan is the only musher running this year who also ran in the inaugural race in 1973. And the youngest of Mitch’s sons, Conway Seavey, the winner of the 2012 Junior Iditarod, will drive the first sled during the ceremonial start that carries this year’s honorary musher Dave Olson, who cleared trail for the 1973 and 1974 races.

66 mushers are entered. 49 male, 17 female. 51 veterans. 15 rookies, 9 male and 6 female. 52 teams are from Alaska, 7 from the lower 48 states, 4 from Canada and 3 are international – 2 from Norway and one New Zealand.

John Baker set the record for the fastest time to Nome last year, finishing in 8 days, 18 hours, 46 minutes and 39 seconds.
The record for the Northern Route (run in even years) was set by Martin Buser in 2002 at 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes and 2 seconds.

This year the race runs the Northern Route, measured to be around 975 miles.


SUGGESTED LINKS:
Official Iditarod Sites
http://iditarod.com/
http://iditarod.com/race/current-standings/
http://www.iditarodforums.com/index.php
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iditarod-Trail-Committee/112545578798091

Mushing Loon Pages
https://www.facebook.com/mushing.loon
http://mushingloon.blogspot.com/

Alaska News Outlets
http://www.adn.com/iditarod/
http://www.ktuu.com/sports/iditarod/
http://newsminer.com/pages/sports_iditarod
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/section/iditarod-2011

Blogs, Websites, Facebook
http://www.mushing.com/index.php
http://northernlightmedia.com/
http://gomush.com/
http://www.iditablog.com/
http://backstage-iditarod.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Husky-Productions/185581807454

On the Scene Reports
Joe Runyan http://www.facebook.com/jrunyan1989
Sebastian Schnuelle http://www.facebook.com/sebastianschnuelle

Contact me for many, many others.

2012 IDITAROD STARTING ORDER:
Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}
(Bib #1 goes to the Honorary Musher)

1. Ray Redington Jr (2)
2. Jim Lanier (3)
3. William Pinkham (4)
4. Tom Thurston (5)
5. Jodi Bailey (6)
6. Wade Marrs (7)
7. Cim Smyth (8)
8. Nicolas Petit (9)
9. Jeff King (10)
10. John Baker (11)
11. Kelly Maixner (12)
12. Michael Suprenant (13)
13. Aliy Zirkle (14)
14. Pat Moon (15) {R}
15. Trent Herbst (16)
16. DeeDee Jonrowe (17)
17. Lance Mackey (18)
18. Travis Cooper (19) {R}
19. Kelley Griffin (20)
20. Ramey Smyth (21)
21. Mike Santos (22) {R}
22. Gerry Willomitzer (23)
23. Sigrid Ekran (24)
24. Paul Gebhardt (25)
25. Michelle Phillips (26)
26. Hugh Neff (27)
27. Peter Kaiser (28)
28. Jake Berkowitz (29)
29. Jaimee Kinzer (30) {R}
30. Kristy Berington (31)
31. Anjanette Steer (32) {R}
32. Anna Berington, (33) {R}
33. Dallas Seavey (34)
34. Mitch Seavey (35)
35. Bruce Linton (36)
36. Scott Janssen (37)
37. Justin Savidis (38)
38. Ken Anderson (39)
39. Jan Steves (40) {R}
40. Martin Buser (41)
41. Colleen Robertia (42)
42. Karin Hendrickson (43)
43. Aaron Burmeister (44)
44. Ed Stielstra (45)
45. Ryne Olson (46) {R}
46. Kirk Barnum (47)
47. Hank Debruin (48) {R}
48. Bob Chlupach (49)
49. Brent Sass (50) {R}
50. Michael Williams, Jr (51)
51. Matt Giblin (52)
52. Zoya DeNure (53)
53. Silvia Furtwängler (54) {R}
54. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}
55. Karen Ramstead (56)
56. Matt Failor (57) {R}
57. Gerald Sousa (58)
58. Sonny Lindner (59)
59. Rick Swenson (60)
60. Curt Perano (60) {R}
61. Rohn Buser (61)
62. Braxton Peterson (63) {R}
63. Art Church, Jr (64)
64. Dan Seavey (65)
65. Lachlan Clarke (66)
66. Ryan Redington (67)

Sled Dog Races Weekend of March 2, 2012

* Complete Iditarod Information coming separately! *

March 1 - 3
Torch River Sled Dog Race
Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
6 Dog (80 miles); 10 Dog (200 miles - Canceled)
www.torchriverrun.com/

March 2 - 4
Junior North American Championships
Fairbanks, Alaska, Jeff Studdert race grounds
1 dog (200 yards); 2 dog (1/1/1 mi); 3 dog (4/4/4.8 miles); 4 dog (4.8/4.8/6.2 miles); 6 dog (6.2/6.2 /8.0 miles); 8 dog (9.7/9.7/12.5 miles)
http://fairbanksjuniordogmushers.org/

CopperDog 150 & 35
Calumet, Michigan
10 Dog Stage (150 miles)
6 Dog (35 miles)
www.copperdog150.com/

Bachelor Butte Dog Derby * CANCELED *
Bend, Oregon
Open (25 miles); 9 Dog (9 miles); 5 Dog (5 miles); Skijoring 3 Dog (9 miles); 2 Dog (5 miles); Stage - 3 days of 50 miles each, 12 dog max.
http://www.psdsa.org/Races/BachelorButte.aspx

March 3
Mid Minnesota 150
Remer/Outing, Minnesota
6 Dog (30 miles); 8 Dog (60 miles)
www.midmn150.org/

The Livia Rally
Prestwich, UK
http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com/calendar

King's West
Suffolk, UK
http://www.huskyracing.org.uk/pages/calendar.html

March 3 - 6
Can-Am Crown 30, 60, & 250
Fort Kent, Maine, USA
5-6 Dog (30 miles); 6-8 Dog (60 miles); 8-12 Dog (250 miles)
http://can-am.sjv.net

March 3 - 4
Tanacross Annual Dog Race
Tanacross, Alaska
6 Dog (6 miles); 10 Dog (10 miles)

Kalkaska Winterfest Midwest International Sled Dog Race
Kalkaska, Michigan
Unlimited (14 miles); 10 Dog (14 miles); 8 Dog (8.5 miles); 6 Dog (6.6 miles); 4 Dog (4.8 miles); 3 Dog JR (4.8 miles); 2 Dog JR (1 mile); 1 Dog JR (100 yards); Skijoring 2 Dog (4.8 miles); 1 Dog (4.8 miles)
www.kalkaskawinterfest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kalkaska-Winterfest/160639920830

Snowflake International Classic
Duluth, Minnesota
Sprint: 4 Dog Pro and 4 Dog Sport (5K); Skijoring Pro and Sport (5K); Kid and Mutt
www.skijor.org/

Burke Mountain Sled Dog Dash
East Burke, Vermont
Open (13.3 miles); 8 Dog (8.3 miles); 6 Dog (6.5 miles); 4 Dog (4.5 miles); 3 Dog Jr (4.5 miles); Skijoring 1 or 2 Dog (4.5 miles)
www.sleddogdash.com/

Mount Massive Mush
Leadville, Colorado
4 Dog (4 miles); 6 Dog (6 miles); 8 Dog (8 miles); Skijoring 2 Dog (6 miles); 1 Dog (4 miles); 3 Dog Jr (4 miles)
www.RMSDC.com/

Tug Hill Challenge * CANCELED *
Winona State Forest, Lorraine, New York
8 Dog Pro & Purebred (8 miles); 6 Dog Pro, Purebred & Sportsman (6 miles); 4 Dog Pro, Purebred & Sportsman (5 miles); Skijoring 1 & 2 Dog Skijor Pro (5 miles); Sportsman & Purebred Skijor- up to 2 dogs (2.3 miles)
www.pennsleddogclub.com/

Grande Prairie Sled Dog Derby * CANCELED *
Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada
4 Dog (4 miles); 6 Dog (6 miles); 10 Dog (10 miles); 10 Dog (20 miles); Skijoring 1-2 Dog (4 miles); Junior Race 1-4 Dog (1 mile)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grande-Prairie-Sled-Dog-Derby/158613897560960

March 4
Subaru Fun Run * CANCELED *
Duluth, Minnesota
10 Dog (50 miles)
www.subarufunrun.com/