Jeff Deeter scratches in Galena

In a statement on facebook posted Friday Night, Jeff Deeter announced the difficult decision to scratch in this year's Iditarod. The veteran musher and team have had a rough go since the start of the race with minor injuries sidelining some of Deeter's key players. 

Deeter had nearly scratched earlier in the race in Tanana as things started to go sideways but was encouraged by mushers Matthew Failor and Dallas Seavey to take time, take his 24, and come to a decision later. Jeff chose to continue on, but by then the team picked up a bit of a tummy bug.

As things snowballed it was clear the team was struggling and not having the race Jeff Deeter had hoped for. "By pulling out of the race now," Deeter wrote, "I can ensure that we have all had a positive experience to this point, and have a group of dogs that will be strong for many seasons to come."

No official statement has been released by the Iditarod yet, but it's clear Jeff's race is over for 2025.

Edited: an official release has now been posted by The Iditarod.