The leaders in this year’s Iron Dog race left Galena today, Feb. 23, just after 11:15 a.m. and are now headed toward Ruby.

Team 7 of Tyler Aklestad and Nick Olstad hold onto a very tight leading advantage. Team 14 of Casey Boylan and Bryan Leslie are currently in 2nd position. Boyland and Leslie departed Galena at 9:59 a.m. and are trailing Aklestad and Olstad by about half an hour.

Aklestad and Olstad were given a time credit of 23 minutes based on their return journey to White Mountain on Fen. 22, according to Iron Dog race marshal Tyson Johnson.

Wet and heavy snow along with ice buildup could prove problematic for the race leaders. Trail reports indicate Iron Doggers will face half a foot of new snow between Ruby and Poorman, which will most likely slow racers down while they break trail.

Nome’s Chad Gueco and Cody Moen are currently in 11th position. The Miller brothers, Jarvis and Jordan, are currently in 12th position.

Image at top: Team 7’s Tyler Aklestad arrives in Kaltag covered in ice. Photo by Trinity Vivieros, courtesy of Iron Dog, used with permission (2023).