Iditarod Update #4 - In Iditarod

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

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

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

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

Unofficial Standings as of 4:30pm ET:

In Iditarod

1.     Lance Mackey (5)

2.     Sonny Lindner (67)

3.     Jeff King (18)

4.     Martin Buser (2)

On the trail to Iditarod

5.     Aaron Burmeister (24)

6.     Jason Mackey (12)

7.     Mitch Seavey (36)

8.     Jim Lanier (59)

9.     Aliy Zirkle (27)

10. Peter Kaiser (10)

11. Jake Berkowitz (44)

12. Joar Leifseth Ulsom (32) {R}

13. Ken Anderson (6)

14. Nicolas Petit (16)

15. Paul Gebhardt (11)

16. Jessie Royer (30)

17. Ray Redington Jr (52)

18. DeeDee Jonrowe (28)

19. Dallas Seavey (19)

20. Michelle Phillips (7)

21. Cim Smyth (51)

22. Matt Failor (61)

23. John Baker (13)

24. Brent Sass (62)

25. Gerry Willomitzer (21)

26. Ramey Smyth (38)

27. Kelly Maixner (25)

28. Kelley Griffin (9)

29. Justin Savidis (34)

30. Robert Bundtzen (23)

31. Michael Williams, Jr. (46)

32. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}

33. Jessica Hendricks (54)

34. Allen Moore (48)

35. Aaron Peck (58)

In Ophir

36. Jodi Bailey (4)

On the trail to Ophir

37. Mike Williams, Sr. (35)

38. Wade Marrs (57)

39. Curt Perano (45)

40. Mike Ellis (50) {R}

41. Paige Drobny (14) {R}

42. Linwood Fiedler (42)

43. Karin Hendrickson (29)

In Takotna

44. Kristy Berington (20)

45. Anna Berington (31)

46. Richie Diehl (65) {R}

47. Cindy Gallea (17)

48. Louie Ambrose (53) {R}

On the trail to Takotna

49. Mikhail Telpin (63) {R}

50. Travis Beals (22) {R}

51. Gerald Sousa (49)

52. Matt Giblin (64)

In McGrath

53. Rudy Demoski, Sr. (39)

54. Charley Bejna (15) {R}

55. Luan Ramos Marques (47) {R}

56. Angie Taggart (40)

57. Michael Suprenant (33)

58. Jan Steves (26)

59. Bob Chlupach (43)

60. David Sawatzky (56)

61. James Volek (66) {R}      

62. Christine Roalofs (37) {R}

63. Cindy Abbott (60) {R}

In Nikolai

64. Newton Marshall (8)

SCRATCHED

Ed Stielstra (41)

Scott Janssen (3)

Iditarod Update #3 - In Ophir

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

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

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

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

In Ophir

1.     Jake Berkowitz (44)

2.     Nicolas Petit (16)

On the trail to Ophir

3.     Sonny Lindner (67)

4.     Lance Mackey (5)

In Takotna

5.     Aaron Burmeister (24)

6.     Aliy Zirkle (27)

7.     Mitch Seavey (36)

8.     Jessie Royer (30)

9.     Peter Kaiser (10)

10. DeeDee Jonrowe (28)

11. Dallas Seavey (19)

12. Paul Gebhardt (11)

13. Ray Redington Jr (52)

14. Joar Leifseth Ulsom (32) {R}

15. Michelle Phillips (7)

16. Ken Anderson (6)

17. Jeff King (18)

18. John Baker (13)

19. Cim Smyth (51)

20. Gerry Willomitzer (21)

21. Brent Sass (62)

22. Kelley Griffin (9)

23. Ramey Smyth (38)

On the trail to Takotna

24. Mike Williams, Sr. (35)

25. Allen Moore (48)

26. Michael Williams, Jr. (46)

In McGrath

27. Jason Mackey (12)

28. Justin Savidis (34)

29. Robert Bundtzen (23)

30. Kelly Maixner (25)

31. Josh Cadzow (55) {R}

32. Jim Lanier (59)

33. Aaron Peck (58)

34. Jessica Hendricks (54)

On the trail to McGrath

35. Wade Marrs (57)

36. Paige Drobny (14) {R}

37. Jodi Bailey (4)

38. Mike Ellis (50) {R}

39. Curt Perano (45)

40. Martin Buser (2)

41. Karin Hendrickson (29)

42. Linwood Fiedler (42)

43. Kristy Berington (20)

44. Anna Berington (31)

45. Travis Beals (22) {R}

46. Louie Ambrose (53) {R}

47. Rudy Demoski, Sr. (39)

48. Richie Diehl (65) {R}

49. Matt Giblin (64)

50. Charley Bejna (15) {R}

In Nikolai

51. Matt Failor (61)

On the trail to Nikolai

52. Cindy Gallea (17)

53. Luan Ramos Marques (47) {R}

54. Michael Suprenant (33)

55. Angie Taggart (40)

56. James Volek (66) {R}      

57. Jan Steves (26)

58. Bob Chlupach (43)

59. Christine Roalofs (37) {R}

60. Mikhail Telpin (63) {R}

61. David Sawatzky (56)

62. Newton Marshall (8)

63. Cindy Abbott (60) {R}

64. Gerald Sousa (49)

SCRATCHED

Ed Stielstra (41)

Scott Janssen (3)

Iditarod Update #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}

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 #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 #4 - Tuesday Morning To The Burn

Out of the mountains, and into the interior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Finger Lake
66. Dan Seavey (65)

Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Yukon Quest Update #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 #19

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

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

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

Kyla Durham is twenty miles behind Dave.

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

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

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

Marcelle Fressineau has stopped between Scroggie Creek and Stepping Stone.

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

Unofficial Standings as of 6:30pm ET:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Withdrawn:
Kurt Reich (8) (R)