The competition is fierce in this year’s Iditarod. Jeff King and Lance Mackey left Shaktoolik within minutes of each other last night, headed across the ice of Norton Sound. Behind those two there were more than 12 teams jockeying for the top 10, as they came into Unalakleet through the night. Kjetil Backen led them in, with Mitch Seavey and Rick Swenson closest behind him, then Martin Buser, Paul Gebhart and Ken Anderson. Seavey is down to 9 dogs. Anderson has 15, Buser 14. Scratches include Ryan Redington and some rookies, including arctic musher John Stetson, who had a dog death.
Get the full update by listening to the attached audio report.
