IT'S MARCH...MARK THE DATE,IDITAROD

CooknThyme wrote:
Thomas Waerner, is still at the Unalakleet checkpoint (mile 714). Thomas has been there for the past ~12 hrs. I wonder why?


And here is why.

Quote:
Iditarod.com wrote:

2026 Iditarod Expedition musher Thomas Wærner (bib #13) of Torpa, Norway, has chosen to conclude his Iditarod Expedition at the Unalakleet checkpoint after several dogs on the team showed symptoms of kennel cough. After consulting with their veterinarians, Wærner and the team are prioritizing the well-being of his dog team as the guiding factor in his decision.

The inaugural Expedition Mushing class allows participants to travel the historic Iditarod Trail and experience the journey to Nome while embracing the spirit of exploration that defines this inaugural program. Throughout the expedition, participants are expected to maintain the highest standards of dog care and make decisions that put the needs of their teams first.

Wærner’s decision reflects that commitment, choosing to end his expedition out of care and respect for the dogs that carried him across hundreds of miles of the Iditarod Trail.

Meanwhile, Wærners Expedition partner, Kjell Inge Røkke continues his journey toward Nome alongside his support team, carrying forward the spirit of exploration that defines this inaugural Iditarod Expedition.

The Iditarod Trail Committee commends Waerner for his commitment to putting the well-being of his dogs first and thanks him for the spirit in which he embraced this expedition. We hope to see him back on the Iditarod Trail in the future.

Here's our top 10 as of 5:19 pm AKDT

On their way to Shaktoolik (Mile 754)
1 Jessie Holmes MILE 726
2 Travis Beals MILE 723

In Unalakleet (Mile 714)
3 Paige Drobny
4 Mille Porsild
5 Riley Dyche

On their way to Unalakleet
6 Wade Marrs MILE 708
7 Jeff Deeter MILE 705
8 Ryan Redington MILE 699
9 Matt Hall MILE 695
10 Lauro Eklund MILE 679

Unfortunately Jessie Royer has fallen to 17th place. She is in Kaltag (Mile 620). Rumor is that she is sick. I hope she feels better soon. She has run and finished the Iditarod 21 times! She has never scratched.

Hereare this morning's top 10 as of 2:23am AKDT


On his way to Koyuk (Mile 804)
1 Jessie Holmes MILE 763

In Shaktoolik (Mile 754)
2 Paige Drobny

On their way to Shaktoolik
3 Travis Beals MILE 749
4 Mille Porsild MILE 740
5 Wade Marrs MILE 735
6 Jeff Deeter MILE 729
7 Matt Hall MILE 728
8 Riley Dyche MILE 728

In Unalakleet (Mile 714)
9 Ryan Redington
10 Michelle Phillips

Boy, Jeff Deeter sure has moved up the pack. I didn't see that coming.
I knew Travis was going to make a move. He thinks he can catch Paige, but is not sure about Jessie.

I'd love to see 3 (or more) mushers reach White Mountain at the same time and have a tight race to Nome.

Speaking of White Mountain, Kjell Rokke is there.

When will we have a Champion???

Well, my guess is sometime mid-day tomorrow (Tuesday). But That assumes that Mother Nature does not decide to join the race.

The weather along the coast from Koyuk to Nome (the last 170 miles of the race) is VERY unpredictable, especially the closer one gets to Nome. Windstorms, blizzards and blow holes have been known to derail many frontrunner’s championship aspirations.

It seems like every year there is some type of mishap along that section of the coast that shuffles up the race. Sometimes it is a simple error, like veering right on what looks like "the official trail" and getting lost for awhile. But other times it is horrific, like being caught in a blowhole where the musher's and the dogs' lives are in danger (just ask Jeff King about that).

Weather can add many unexpected hours to the race. So predicting when we will have a Champion is probably a fool's errand, but many fans like to try and do it anyway. :hugegrin:


T

Here's an update of the top 10 mushers as of 11:19 am AKDT
Elapsed Race Time: 7d 21h 19m

In Koyuk (Mile 804)
1 Jessie Holmes
2 Travis Beals

Mushing towards Koyuk
3 Paige Drobny MILE 781
4 Wade Marrs MILE 770
5 Mille Porsild MILE 770
6 Jeff Deeter MILE 762

In Shaktoolik (Mile 754)
7 Riley Dyche
8 Matt Hall

Mushing towards Shaktoolik
9 Michelle Phillips MILE 738
10 Lauro Eklund MILE 735

Here's some other mushers of interest
12 Peter Kaiser MILE 720
13 Jessie Royer MILE 717
14 Ryan Redington MILE 715
19 Rohn Buser MILE 696
21 Jason Mackey MILE 694
25 Brenda Mackey MILE 676
33 Jody Potts-Joseph MILE 629 (last musher on the trail)

and...
14 miles from Nome
Kjell Rokke MILE 961

Steve Curtis (the other Expedition musher) has vanished from the GPS map. I have no idea what is going on. There are some ugly rumors but no "official" word yet.

here was a small crowd but warm welcome waiting at the Burled Arch for Kjell Rokke as he finished his Iditaod run. His time was ~ 7day 22hrs.

There was a good amount of gratitude shown to him for his contributions to the race, as well as an abundance of gratitude from him to all those who make the race possible, especially all the volunteers at the checkpoints and his friend Thomas Waerner.

He said the race was much more exciting and rewarding than he had imagined it would be. He praised his dogs and remarked on the unbelieveable bond that was created out their on the trail.
:dog:

It was more heartwarming than I had expected.

Is the Iditarod Race a sporting event or a showcase of Huskies?

Here's the top 10 as of 5:36 pm AKDT
Elapsed Race time: 8d 3h 36m

In Elim (Mile 852)
1 Jessie Holmes

Mushing towards Elim
2 Travis Beals MILE 818
3 Wade Marrs MILE 806

In Koyuk (Mile 804)
4 Paige Drobny
5 Jeff Deeter
6 Mille Porsild

Mushing towards Koyuk
7 Matt Hall MILE 792
8 Riley Dyche MILE 788
9 Michelle Phillips MILE 757

In Shaktoolik (Mile 754)
10 Lauro Eklund

Happy Saint Patrick's Day E1!

Here are the top 10 as of 4:31am AKDT
Elapsed Race Time: 8d 14h 31m

In White Mountain (Mile 898)!!!
1 Jessie Holmes

In Golovin (Mile 880)
2 Travis Beals

Mushing towards Golovin
3 Wade Marrs MILE 855

In Elim (Mile 852)
4 Paige Drobny
5 Jeff Deeter

Mushing towards Elim
6 Mille Porsild MILE 841
7 Matt Hall MILE 839
8 Riley Dyche MILE 822

In Koyuk (Mile 804)
9 Michelle Phillips
10 Lauro Eklund

Aubrey wrote: Is the Iditarod Race a sporting event or a showcase of Huskies?

The Idiatrod is a celebration and an honoring of a event that took place in the early 1900's...


he Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance race held in Alaska, covering approximately 938 miles from Anchorage to Nome. It began in 1973, inspired by the historical significance of the Iditarod Trail, which was used for mail delivery and transportation in the early 20th century.
Historical Background
Origins of the Trail

The Iditarod Trail was originally used by Native Alaskans for hunting and travel.
It became a major route for mail and supplies in the early 1900s, especially during the gold rush.

The 1925 Serum Run

The race's roots trace back to the 1925 serum run to Nome, where sled dogs delivered diphtheria antitoxin during an epidemic.
This event showcased the critical role of sled dogs in Alaska's history and inspired the creation of the Iditarod race.

Establishment of the Race
Founding Figures

Joe Redington Sr., known as the "Father of the Iditarod," along with Dorothy Page, advocated for the race in the late 1960s to preserve sled dog culture.
The first official race took place on March 3, 1973, with 34 mushers participating.

When the first run was made,there were no safety nets,no vets to check on the dogs,no solid plan, JUST GET THE SERUM TO NOME

The race now, is heavily regulated for the safety of man an dog,it is a well oiled event,with
supply drops, rest stops and vets services. WHEN Nome finally received the serum, on that first run, it d
saved many live.

The event is to honor a tradition of COURAGE,FORTITUDE and success against all odds, There is no other event in N, America that can claim the bravery it takes to fight the extreme elements,to work as a team...dog,man against the most harsh conditions, THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED THE LAST GREAT RACE.