WILLOW, Alaska (AP) — The leading mushers in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race have passed through the checkpoint at Skwentna, about 150 miles from Anchorage, and are pushing on with about 1,000 miles left to go to reach Nome.
Early Monday, standings show Ketchum, Idaho, teacher Trent Herbst in the lead out of Skwentna, followed by Melissa Owens of Nome, and Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore, both of Two Rivers. Ray Redington Jr. of Wasilla is fifth, followed by defending champion Lance Mackey, who has dominated the Iditarod with four consecutive victories.
The 62 teams held a ceremonial start Saturday in Anchorage and began the racing Sunday at Willow.