The immense crowd at the finish in Nome blew Aliy Zirkle away as she ran down Front Street for her fifteenth Iditarod. Placing fifth this year, it was her fourth year in a row finishing in the top five.
Aliy pulled into the lead this year around Koyukuk as the trail started toward the coast. She says, “I thought I had a chance for a little while there, honestly, and then by the time I got to Shaktoolik, it was pretty obvious Dallas had the team to beat.”
Aliy Zirkle acknowledged the immense support she has from people all across the state of Alaska. “I don’t know why people like me, or want me to win, because I haven’t yet I guess.” While handlers took her dog team to the yard, Aliy spent a few moments walking the edges of the fenced-in chute, greeting fans and thanking them for their support.
