Gunnar Johnson Withdrawn From Iditarod After Positive Covid-19 Test

Late last night veteran Gunnar Johnson tested positive for Covid-19 following his mandatory testing at the McGrath checkpoint yesterday afternoon.

He has since been withdrawn from the race. According to Iditarod officials, Johnson is not experiencing any symptoms at this point and did not enter any of the community buildings, come into close contact with any race personnel, or community members of McGrath.

Only three mushers have reached the halfway point with Brent Sass maintaining the lead in first position. Many teams are still underway on their 24hr mandatory layovers. For more on the top positions, trail conditions and more, listen here:

Image at top: 2018 Iditarod musher with his dog team at the McGrath checkpoint. (Photo by KNOM).

Did you enjoy this Iditarod 2021 story?

Consider supporting our work by becoming a one-time or recurring donor.

Share this story

Recent Posts

Saint Michael Man Arrested Following Assault Reportedly Captured on Facebook Live

Ben Townsend July 25, 2024

Alaska State Troopers have arrested a Saint Michael man on multiple charges in an assault captured on video and shared on social media. According to an online trooper dispatch, troopers learned of the incident at about 7 p.m. Wednesday. Several concerned citizens reported viewing a Facebook Live video showing a

GCI’s Annual Refueling Effort Hits Halfway Point

Ben Townsend July 25, 2024

GCI’s annual refueling operation for its TERRA Network has hit the halfway point, according to a press release issued on July 22. The telecommunications company delivers approximately 106,000 gallons of fuel every year to power generators at remote mountaintop towers. Located far from commercial power grids, these remote towers rely

Man and woman sitting at same side of table discussing topic with audience.

City Manager Glenn Steckman to Leave Nome for East Coast Opportunity

Ben Townsend July 24, 2024

The City Council of Cambridge, Maryland met on Monday, July 22 to vote on the appointment of William Glenn Steckman as their new City Manager. Following a 5-0 vote held at 6:25 p.m. EST, the council formally picked Steckman from a pool of 15 applicants. Within two hours of the

National Weather Service Tracking Ash From Bezymianny Volcano, Potential Impact on Western Alaska

Ben Townsend July 24, 2024

Bezymianny Volcano, located on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula west of the Aleutian Islands, erupted early Wednesday morning. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency the blast sent volcanic ash 40,000 feet into the atmosphere. Winds have begun pushing the ash towards the western Bering Sea. According to Rick Thoman with the Alaska