The race is on

Sure this blog should have gone out much earlier today, you know, when Dallas Seavey decided to cut his rest in Iditarod short and head back down the trail towards the finish. We've still got -hopefully- a full three days until a champion is crowned, but this is when the RACE part of the race truly begins. Up until now, they were all jockeying for position. They all pretty much feel they still have it. Dallas is miles ahead, but he didn't take his 8 in Iditarod like he first planned, and so now those that already have have a few hours on him. Not enough to declare this not Dallas's year (and I'd argue a top 10 finish in this deep of a field after a three-year hiatus would be a win), but it's not as clear cut as some would like.

On paper when you look at rest, it appears Ryan Redington is leading the Iditarod. This is exciting because in 48 races, a Redington has never won. Iditarod 49 looks like it's trying to change that (and what a story a Redington winning on essentially the original trail Joe Sr. dreamed of). Ryan, however, has pushed from nearly the beginning and has had to send a few dogs home (at last look he was down to 10). With just under half way to go, he should be fine, but it's still really unknown what the teams will expect running back across the burn and through the gorge. 

Aaron Burmeister and Travis Beals have also taken both the 24 and the 8 hour rests and are within striking distance of either of the two frontrunners. Brent Sass is still capable though he still needs his 8 (as do the three amigos of Pete, Richie, and Joar). Mille has taken her 8 and is finishing up her 24 in Iditarod and could really play a spoiler. 

Currently Dallas is shown as resting just 30 miles from Ophir S. It's a good guess that he does not plan to take his 8 in Ophir, which means who the heck knows how this will all play out. Apparently Dallas has made mention that he's still rotating carrying dogs (as he has all race) in the sled bag while running, and he's "still building the monster". He's hardly not a front runner or even in the top spot, whatever the Iditamath suggests.

This field is incredibly talented and it's just mind boggling how many combinations there are to decide who is going to finish where... and we haven't even hit the big obstacles that everyone keeps saying they dread (well all but apparently Hal Hanson who WANTS to see the Gorge again). 

Speaking of the back of the pack, everyone is out of McGrath, though it looks like either Larry Daugherty's tracker never reset/died or he left it behind (uh oh) because he is clearly listed as OUT OF McGrath on the standings, but his tracker still shows him as resting. I do believe he was planning to swap sleds and it could have been the easy mistake of never taking the tracker off/out of the old sled to put it with the new one. Either way it probably won't be remedied until Ophir so just keep refreshing the current standings.

Our current red lantern is Will Troshynski who stated in an interview with Insider this morning about how he is just taking in every experience and his "mistakes" have been so excited to talk to people to gain knowledge that he's left out of checkpoints hours later than he was supposed to. Whoops! His energy in the interview was infectious (though I don't want to think how much caffeine or sugar may have been in his system at the time) and it was just so great that Insider gave the back of the pack so much attention throughout the day (keep it up Insider, you give me a glimmer of hope that you're listening!) 

This may be the last night that I get a decent amount of sleep. I suggest everyone do the same. It's gonna be a *WILD RIDE* (do not judge me in all of my years of writing out into the void I've never used that to talk about Iditarod).

Some thoughts to close out day 4 of the Iditarod

 Just some random thoughts as I continue to work through the Insider videos and watch the trackers move ever so slowly (it feels) tonight when I should be sleeping.

I really love seen Aaron Peck sticking it out with the "front runners". I'm hoping he can hang in there, he has yet to take any mandatory rest, but he's not the only one (Brent Sass is currently on his 24 in Iditarod and I assume that's what Peck will do, too). 

Mille's most likely vying for not just a top 10 placement, she could probably come in top 5 and right now looks like the top lady. (And now, I've jinxed her.) 

I was surprised to see that Dallas made a video ahead of the race stating that he was most concerned about the part of the trail he is currently on. Basically, he hasn't seen this part of the trail since 2013 (due to bad weather keeping the race off the trail for several years, and then he took a break from Iditarod). He's not normally one to say anything that hints at unsureness so I just found that interesting. As I type this Dallas is INTO Ophir. It will be interesting to see what he says about the run and if he stays long.

I don't know why but I feel like the Iditarod Champion for 2021 was in Ophir today and was resting. Not counting Dallas who just got there or the three that were running away from Ophir for most of the day. I don't know why, my gut just says this is where it will be chosen somehow. I'm no expert and I'm often wrong.

Part of that feeling comes from ever since Rohn, I've felt like Burmeister's team was incredibly strong (there I go jinxing again). He has said in several interviews now that his dogs just don't seem to want to go as slow as he thinks they should. That sounds very familiar as Mitch Seavey kept saying that about his 2017 team, and he broke all kinds of records with his win that year. I've probably read way too much into Aaron's interviews, but he just seems so at ease and set to running his race and I love to see it. It gives me confidence that his team will be right up there in the end. Burmeister has taken his 8 and is currently on his 24.

I've really enjoyed getting to know the different mushers and the causes they want to bring awareness to. Kaiser and Diehl (and Gunnar Johnson) all running to bring about suicide awareness and prevention. Wade Marrs running as always to bring awareness to Turners Syndrome. Other's I'm forgetting at the moment because I'm starting to fade. It's just nice to see mushers using the Iditarod as a platform for causes important for them.

I don't know what to make of Ryan Redington, I think he may be pushing too hard, too long, too fast. He's doing well to be in Ophir and like Burmeister is working to get his 24 done and has already taken his 8. I don't know that he'll stick to top 10. He's down a few dogs already. We'll have to see.

I love that Pete and Richie are running together. Waiting for either one to make a move, not sure we'll see one until Iditarod.

That's all for tonight. There will be a lot of movement tonight. Wish I could stay up for it all... 

Musher tests positive for Covid-19 in McGrath

 In an official statement released by the Iditarod Trail Committee this evening, the race announced it had its first musher test positive for Covid-19. Gunnar Johnson, who is running a team out of Jim Lanier's kennel and mushing to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention and remembering those lost to suicide, received the rapid test upon coming into the checkpoint of McGrath. The rapid test came back with a positive so he was given two more tests, each coming back with the same result. The musher is reportedly asymptomatic and did not come in contact with any of the community members of McGrath.

Gunnar Johnson withdrawn from Iditarod 49 due to positive COVID-19 test

Anchorage, Alaska – Veteran Iditarod musher Gunnar Johnson (bib #11), of Duluth,

Minnesota, has been withdrawn from the 2021 Iditarod race at approximately 3:15 p.m.

today due to a positive COVID-19 test at the McGrath checkpoint.

Iditarod Race Marshal Mark Nordman, in consultation with epidemiologist Dr. Jodie

Guest, made the decision to withdraw Johnson, who is asymptomatic, based on the

protocols established in the COVID-19 mitigation plan. Under this guidance and per the

Iditarod race rules, Johnson understands that he has been withdrawn. He is incredibly

disappointed and felt his dog team looked great.

Per the mitigation plan, Johnson:

• Was immediately notified by COVID-19 Team personnel of the positive results;

• Was immediately removed from the checkpoint area by COVID-19 Team

personnel to isolate away from others in an Arctic oven tent; and

• Will be removed off the trail using safe transport.

Per the COVID-19 mitigation protocols, all mushers are tested for COVID-19 just outside

the McGrath checkpoint using a rapid antigen test. Johnson was tested by a COVID-19

Team member and the rapid antigen test came back positive. Johnson was then retested twice using a molecular-based COVID-19 test and both results came back

positive.

Johnson did not come into close contact with race personnel or community members,

nor did he enter any buildings or community spaces in McGrath. However, he did park

his team as he was planning to rest at the checkpoint.

The COVID-19 Team is in the process of contact tracing and performing additional

mitigation measures as needed. The State of Alaska has been notified of the results.

Johnson had 14 dogs in harness at the time of the withdrawal.

Gunnar had a strong run through to McGrath and looked to improve his standings significantly from his previous Iditarods (ok partially due to there being fewer entrants to begin with). Johnson's rookie run was in 1991, he last completed the race in 2017.

Brent Sass is first into Iditarod

 Brent Sass just pulled into the halfway point of Iditarod winning the award for first to Iditarod as well as a nice long rest. Earlier in the race Sass said he intended to 24 in Iditarod. Sass has spent much of his time camping out on the trail away from checkpoints - something he has done in most races. The three-time Yukon Quest's champion's team looked ready for a much needed break from the trail.

Just about two hours ago, Dallas Seavey pulled the snowhook and left McGrath to head on after the front runners. The 4-time Iditarod Champion still has his 8 to do, while there are several teams on their 24 who have already taken their 8. The next couple of days could get really exciting with another bunch of leap frogging.

The back of the pack are almost all into McGrath. Rick Casillo is less than 20 miles bringing up the rear as the current red lantern.

Another scratch was announced this morning when rookie Brenda Mackey called her race in Nikolai this morning. She had nine dogs in harness with still many miles to go and decided it was best for the team to scratch. I'm sure we'll hear more once she's back home, rested, and can put it into words.

The night is young and a lot of teams are close to pulling their snowhooks. There's still a lot of trail left but the gap is closing quickly for those nipping at the heals of the leaders. 

Trail Update: No trip to Flat afterall.

 According to Insider and KTUU tonight, due to a large amount of new snow, trailbreakers are unable to break trail for the teams from Iditarod to Flat and loop around so teams will run to Iditarod and turn around right there and head back.

Also DeeDee Jonrowe reports that Brent plans to 24 in Iditarod. 

Day 3 of Iditarod makes headlines

What a day for race fans! Most in Alaska woke up to news that Aliy Zirkle had to scratch in her final Iditarod - the first time the 2000 Yukon Quest Champion has ever scratched from an Iditarod. Zirkle sustained a concussion and "orthopedic injury to the upper torso" (preliminary reports said collarbone, while others say dislocated shoulder, there's no official word at this time from Aliy's camp) during her run through the Gorge and into Rohn. She was looked over by officials and medical and it was determined she could not continue. This is a devastating end to her final Iditarod and I cannot say enough how much I wish her well.

Teams continued to move through the Burn into Nikolai throughout the morning. The front runners all noting that they weren't really looking forward to returning to this portion of the trail on the return trip. Martin Buser told Insider in an interview in Nikolai that he tried to "turn back the clock" and relive his championship days, but now his dogs are running at about 60% and he is "perplexed" as to why, so he is giving them extra rest and regrouping.

Dallas Seavey rested before coming into Nikolai, choosing to blow through the checkpoint and run straight to McGrath where it's believed he will take his mandatory 24+time differential rest. Brent Sass also blew through Nikolai but camped out shortly after leaving that checkpoint. Sass was 2.5 hours behind Dallas coming into McGrath but again chose to leave the checkpoint and is currently camped out on the trail. 

Ahead of Sass into McGrath were Pete Kaiser, Richie Diehl, and Joar Ulsom - all coming in just minutes apart. of the top five, Pete had the fastest run over from Nikolai.

The next couple of days is all about getting on those mandatory rests in, so expect for a little bit of leap frogging and then very little movement from the top teams. Now is a good time to get your naps in, or actually do some work in the office. But have fun still watching them move.

(Oh and as I finish this up Bruce Lee just said on the Live Feed that Aliy mushed FIVE MILES WITH HER INJURIES to get to the checkpoint. OH MY WORD. If ever you needed proof that Aliy is not only the real deal but super human... Captain Marvel ain't got nothin' on Aliy.)

Front runners are headed into the Farewell Burn

 Well, so much for the guessing that the race schedule would be similar to a "normal" Iditarod year. The teams are running at fast paces and the front runners are already past the Happy River Steps, Dalzell Gorge and Rohn. Ryan Redington let the pack out of Rohn and currently rests near Farewell Lake. He will soon be joined by Martin Buser and Richie Diehl. 

While a lot of talk happens on how hard the Steps and Gorge are on sleds, it's the Farewell Burn that can really give teams hardship. The frozen tussocks continually hammer the sled and the musher. Sore muscles (if the musher is lucky that's all it will be) and banged up sleds are the norm. Most teams are more than thankful to reach the checkpoint of Nikolai by the end of the run. 

The burn is often unique in that this is most often the part of the trail with the least amount of snow (not counting Anchorage and "downtown" Nome). It's no surprise to see teams rest a while after coming out of the mountains before hitting the trail again. It could be a good mental rest for the mushers as much as it is a physical rest for the dogs. While the tussocks wreak havoc on the sleds and the mushers, the dogs manage really well on the more solid ground even with the bumps. There's no post holing so they can get good speed so long as the sled stays upright.

With the race being 100 miles shorter it looks like a lot of the top teams feel they need to maintain a fast speed early on. There's less time to catch teams that may falter so they all need to be fast but not too fast and definitely not slow. There are a lot of top names that are further down in the standings still trying to run this race like it's the typical 900-1000 mile jaunt. It's anyone's guess on this new loop which strategy will play out.

There's a snow storm on its way (is it Iditarod without one?) and it could dump quite a bit of snow on the teams in the next couple of days. The live cam at Nikolai show big heavy flakes coming down. Should make for an interesting night of mushing.

Gallea scratches due to illness

 As of 4pm (AKST) this afternoon, Cindy Gallea's scratch was officially announced by the ITC. Citing illness not related to Covid as the reason for her feeling it was in the best interest of her team that she end her race in Skwentna. The 69 year old Iditarod veteran last ran in 2019 citing it as her final run, but adventure called and she wanted to give it another go in 2021 saying this was for sure her final Iditarod. Sadly her race ended before the 24 hour mark.

The Deep Root kennel, who partner often with Cindy and cite her as the inspiration for their own Iditarod run last year, posted a statement on Cindy's wellbeing following the official announcement:

"With sadness we wanted to let everyone know that Cindy scratched from the race. She developed severe vertigo and nausea to the point she is unable to stand, let alone drive a sled and manage the care of her 14 best friends.  In the 2014 Iditarod, she developed the same issue causing her to scratch from the race. The symptoms in 2014 lasted a number of days.  

She is resting at friends in Anchorage and dogs are doing great. She said dogs had an amazing 65 mile run.  

Damon will be flying up in the morning to help take care of our gal and dogs.  We pray her symptoms subside soon and her spirit mends quickly. 

I'll send out an update when we know more information soon."

Vertigo is not something to fool around with, and I can only imagine what it was like to deal with that while flying out on a little bush plane while also dealing with the incredible sadness of having to finish the race so early. Wishing Cindy all the best.

Gallea may be out of the Iditarod

 Iditarod fans noticed just under an hour ago that Cindy Gallea's tracker went from sitting in Skwentna to suddenly going 155mph towards Anchorage (the opposite direction of the other teams). We're still waiting on official word, but all experience suggests the musher scratched.

Gallea made headlines just days before the race when she and her team were denied entry into Canada to get to Alaska for the Last Great Race. After a lot of pleading that went no where with the Canadian Government (including, according to a social media post by a fellow musher/kennel, pleas directly from the Iditarod Trail Committee) Cindy resorted to shipping her team and gear via Alaska Airlines and followed a day later. Mushers in Alaska rallied and got her a dog truck and other needed equipment and met her and her team at the airport. 

Concern of added expenses coming in around $5,000 quickly made the rounds of social media and in less than 24 hours $8,000 had been donated to the team to get them to the starting line. Now it appears that their race is over just a day into the game. 

Will update when we get official word.

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.