First teams lead into Yentna Station

Matthew Failor's team at the ceremonial start
of Iditarod 48. March 7, 2020.

Teams left Deshka Landing with minimal fanfare Sunday afternoon headed down the trail for a historic 49th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Unlike every other year, teams of 14 dogs will only run as far as the ghost town of Iditarod before turning around via a loop in another goldrush historic site of "The Flats" and returning to Deshka Landing. The first "day" of racing is always just the front runners shaking out away from the middle and back of the pack. Teams are just working to calm down the dogs and get into a sustainable rhythm for the next 800 or so miles. 

The first checkpoint of Yentna Station is typically not somewhere many teams stop for more than a few minutes - and with the Covid-19 protocols in place there's probably even less incentive to stop. They will only pick up supplies and if need be they can leave a dog at the checkpoint in the care of Iditarod Staff and Vets until the pup(s) can be returned to Anchorage and then their handler(s). Some teams may choose to break up the run to Skwentna with a stop near the checkpoint but expect most teams to run right through.

Honestly, the first few days of the race really aren't that "important" to follow the GPS religiously (she says as she is watching and freaking out even though she knows better). Take time away from the screen. It's important to practice self-care while waiting to see news on your favorite team(s). Once they start taking their 24s then it's time to really pay attention.

In other race news, there was a last minute withdrawal today. Rookie Sean Williams announced this morning he was withdrawing - according to posts by fans on social media it was due to "personal family reasons." Hoping all is well and that he'll be back on the runners next year.