Zirkle sets the Iditarod pace

Aliy Zirkle drove the first dog sled team into the McGrath checkpoint right outside McGuires tavern in first place and is showing no signs of slowing down. She picks up the PenAir Spirit of Alaska award for being first into this outpost on the Kuskokwim river. She stopped long enough to pose for some pictures, sign an autograph, and off she went towards the Takotna checkpoint. She pulled into Takotna 3 hours later with one dog in the sled and still in the lead, and promptly declared her 24 hour layover. The chase pack of John Baker, Mitch Seavey, Jeff King, and Dallas Seavey showed up 30 minutes later. With fresh snow on the trail, chances are this whole group will decide to take in the fresh pie that Takotna is famous for while they 24 here.

Farther back, Lance Mackey decided to take his 24 at McGrath with a team that seemed to be slowing pulling into that checkpoint almost 3 hours after Zirkle passed through. He originally headed out of McGrath but was sidetracked when 2 members of his team decided to consummate their friendship which not only distracted the rest of his team, but other teams passing through as well. hopefully the lovebirds will find time to rest during the next 24.

After making up the start differential, Zirkle will leave Takotna with a mere 10 minute lead over the Seaveys who started the race in 34th and 35th position. Farther back, Grandpa Seavey has regained contact with the tail end racers after taking a wrong turn in the Alaska range. Remarkably, no teams have dropped out so far in what has to be a first for this stage of the race. Next stop is Cripple for the halfway award and some key points in the CVIB pool.