Iditarod Update - Friday March 20

-->

Teams keep on streaming in to the finish, as the weather has cleared up on the bay.

The back of the pack are moving across the frozen Norton Bay on their way to Koyuk. Current Red Lantern have all made it to the coast, with the exception of Cindy Abbott, who is in position for the Red Lantern, is resting in Shaktoolik.

Two teams who struggled in severe weather on the bay between Shaktoolik and Koyuk have scratched, bringing the total to 12 teams that are out of the race.

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

Finished in Nome

1.     Dallas Seavey (46)

2.     Mitch Seavey (18)

3.     Aaron Burmeister (63)

4.     Jessie Royer (3)

5.     Aliy Zirkle (32)

6.     Joar Leifseth Ulsom (16)

7.     Jeff King (59)

8.     Wade Marrs (65)

9.     Ken Anderson (36)

10. Nicolas Petit (12)

11. Travis Beals (56)

12. Paul Gebhardt (28)

13. Kelly Maixner (9)

14. Peter Kaiser (54)

15. Christian Turner (73)

16. Ray Redington Jr (34)

17. Thomas Waerner (8) {R}

18. Jason Campeau (70) {R}

19. Hugh Neff (24)

20. Michelle Phillips (6)

21. John Baker (78)

22. Martin Buser (4)

23. Richie Diehl (42)

24. Nathan Schroeder (26)

25. Mats Pettersson (55)

26. Scott Smith (69)

27. Paige Drobny (58)

28. Anna Berington (39)

29. Kristy Berington (11)

30. Jodi Bailey (22)

31. DeeDee Jonrowe (29)

On the Trail to Nome

32. Curt Perano (21)

33. Justin Savidis (19)

34. Charley Bejna (38)

35. Seth Barnes (23) {R}

On the Trail to White Mountain

36. Benjamin Harper (37) {R}

37. Linwood Fiedler (27)

38. Allen Moore (57)

39. Mike Santos (61)

40. Rohn Buser (31)

In Elim

41. Matt Failor (15)

42. Timothy Hunt (68)

43. Lance Mackey (30)

44. Jason Mackey (72)

45. Lisbet Norris (41)

46. On the Trail to Elim

47. Rick Casillo (52)

48. Heidi Sutter (76) {R}

49. Rob Cooke (2) {R}

50. Brian Wilmshurst (50) {R}

51. Laura Allaway (49) {R}

52. Monica Zappa (53)

53. Yvonne Dabakk (33)

54. Chuck Schaeffer (67) {R}

55. Lev Shvarts (40) {R}

56. Yuka Honda (60) {R}

57. Becca Moore (47) {R}

58. Alan Stevens (77) {R}

In Koyuk

59. Alan Eischens (7) {R}

60. Mark Selland (17) {R}

61. Steve Watkins (66) {R}

62. Isabelle Travadon (43) {R}

63. Marcelle Fressineau (25)

On the Trail to Koyuk

64. Lachlan Clarke (5)

65. Trent Herbst (75)

66. Cindy Gallea (64)

In Shaktoolik

67. Cindy Abbott (10) {R}

Scratched

Zoya DeNure (79)

Gwenn Bogart (14) {R}

Christine Roalofs (62)

Philip Walters (51) {R}

Ellen Halverson (35)

Gerald Sousa (44)

Jan Steves (45)

Katherine Keith (74)

Jim Lanier (13)

Scott Janssen (20)

Bryan Bearss (48)

Withdrawn

Brent Sass (71)

Iditarod Update - Thursday March 19

Nome is a busy place, as the teams keep coming in. The top twenty have already finished.

Reports of severe weather on the bay has forced some teams to hunker down before reaching Koyuk, with numerous others stopped in Shaktoolik.

Thomas Waerner wins the Rookie of the Year award over Jason Campeau by an hour and twenty minutes.

The back of the pack have all made it to the coast, with the exception of Cindy Abbott, who is on her way to Unalakleet.

With long-time racer Jim Lanier scratching, ten teams are out of the race.

At 1:00 ET, here are the updated standings, based upon the Official Standings and my own analysis of the GPS trackers, so some mileage may vary.

Finished in Nome

1.     Dallas Seavey (46)

2.     Mitch Seavey (18)

3.     Aaron Burmeister (63)

4.     Jessie Royer (3)

5.     Aliy Zirkle (32)

6.     Joar Leifseth Ulsom (16)

7.     Jeff King (59)

8.     Wade Marrs (65)

9.     Ken Anderson (36)

10. Nicolas Petit (12)

11. Travis Beals (56)

12. Paul Gebhardt (28)

13. Kelly Maixner (9)

14. Peter Kaiser (54)

15. Christian Turner (73)

16. Ray Redington Jr (34)

17. Thomas Waerner (8) {R}

18. Jason Campeau (70) {R}

19. Hugh Neff (24)

20. Michelle Phillips (6)

On the Trail to Nome

21. John Baker (78)

22. Martin Buser (4)

23. Richie Diehl (42)

24. Mats Pettersson (55)

25. Nathan Schroeder (26)

26. Scott Smith (69)

27. Paige Drobny (58)

In White Mountain

28. Anna Berington (39)

29. Kristy Berington (11)

30. Jodi Bailey (22)

On the Trail to White Mountain

31. DeeDee Jonrowe (29)

32. Curt Perano (21)

33. Charley Bejna (38)

34. Justin Savidis (19)

In Elim

35. Seth Barnes (23) {R}

On the Trail to Elim

36. Linwood Fiedler (27)

37. Rohn Buser (31)

38. Benjamin Harper (37) {R}

39. Allen Moore (57)

40. Mike Santos (61)

41. Timothy Hunt (68)

42. Matt Failor (15)

On the Trail to Koyuk

43. Bryan Bearss (48)

44. Scott Janssen (20)

45. Chuck Schaeffer (67) {R}

46. Lance Mackey (30)

47. Jason Mackey (72)

In Shaktoolik

48. Rick Casillo (52)

49. Yvonne Dabakk (33)

50. Lev Shvarts (40) {R}

51. Rob Cooke (2) {R}

52. Laura Allaway (49) {R}

53. Brian Wilmshurst (50) {R}

54. Heidi Sutter (76) {R}

55. Monica Zappa (53)

56. Yuka Honda (60) {R}

57. Lisbet Norris (41)

58. Becca Moore (47) {R}

59. Marcelle Fressineau (25)

60. Alan Stevens (77) {R}

61. Mark Selland (17) {R}

62. Steve Watkins (66) {R}

On the Trail to Shaktoolik

63. Isabelle Travadon (43) {R}

64. Alan Eischens (7) {R}

In Unalakleet

65. Lachlan Clarke (5)

66. Cindy Gallea (64)

67. Trent Herbst (75)

On the Trail to Unalakleet

68. Cindy Abbott (10) {R}

Scratched

Zoya DeNure (79)

Gwenn Bogart (14) {R}

Christine Roalofs (62)

Philip Walters (51) {R}

Ellen Halverson (35)

Gerald Sousa (44)

Jan Steves (45)

Katherine Keith (74)

Jim Lanier (13)

Withdrawn

Brent Sass (71)

Iditarod Update #23 - Red Lantern Awarded

The 2012 Iditarod is over!

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

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

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

OFFICIAL FINAL STANDINGS:

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

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


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #22 - Sunday Morning Survivors

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

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

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

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

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

UNOFFICIAL CURRENT STANDINGS as of 6:30am AKDT/10:30am EDT
(Based on tracker data and Official Standings):

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

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

In White Mountain
52. Bob Chlupach (49)
53. Jan Steves (40) {R}

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


Bib Numbers (X)
Rookie {R}

Iditarod Update #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 #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 #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 #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}