Idita-Rohn
Well, things have changed quite a whole lot in the 40 hours or so since the race started, and I was there in Willow with Hannah watching it all. Now I’m back home in Nome chasing the race online like 95% of the people who are following it. Also, positions have changed dramatically as well. Many of the people who were front runners before the race have dropped behind, and many people that I didn’t give enough credit to beforehand are doing well, sometimes even in the top ten right now. But, that could all change in just a few hours.
Here are the current standings as of 10:00 AKST:
Ramey Brooks is currently leading the pack of frontrunners, he has managed to stay on top for about 24 hours now, and we will see if he can continue to hold it throughout the race. Ramey got second in 2002 & 2003, and was Rookie of the year in 1994.
Behind Ramey is Aliy Zirkle, She won the Yukon Quest sled dog race on her third try in 2000, and was in the Iditarod top 20 in 2003. She has been a name to watch this year, and has proven herself so far..
Mitch Seavy is about an hour and a half behind Aliy, and will no doubt make a few efforts to be the lead team. Mitch won the Iditarod last year after many years of attempts.
Doug Swingly is a four time champ who left the Rohn checkpoint just 10 minutes after Mitch and is currently in 4th. Last year Doug was forced to scratch after literally freezing his corneas.
Paul Gebhardt is in 5th, Nome’s own Aaron Burmeister in 6th, Fan Favorite DeeDee Jonrowe in 7th, four time winner Martin Buser in 8th,three time winner Jeff King in 9th, and 5 time winner Rick Swenson is in 10th
I’ll continue updating the race and my experiences as things continue. All my standings were from cabelasiditarod.com which isn’t down as often as the main Iditarod site is.
PLUS, here is some bonus audio from the weekend.
1. 3/5/05 – My Live Report from the starting line in Anchorage (click here)
2. 3/6/05 – Report on the Re-Start in Willow (click here)
Thank you for the continual updates. Great information..