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Western Alaska Mushers Out; Remaining Teams All Between Circle and Eagle; Moore Maintains Lead

Photo: KNOM file.

Ike Underwood of Aniak was the fourth musher in a span of 24 hours to drop out of the race yesterday. According to the Quest, Underwood activated his race-tracking device and requested assistance almost 25 miles outside of the Circle checkpoint. Underwood and his dogs were found to be in good health, but the Quest rookie decided to withdraw for his safety and that of his team.

First Scratch of 2018 Yukon Quest, Moore Maintains Lead Out of Circle Checkpoint

Katherine Keith tending to her dogs in Kaltag before departing for Unalakleet.

Katherine Keith and Mike Ellis made the decision to scratch from the race for different reasons. Keith stopped due to a broken wrist, and Ellis announced around 2pm yesterday for the health and well-being of his team. Looking at the remaining field of 24 mushers, leading the pack is 2013 Quest champion Allen Moore, who was the first one out of the Circle checkpoint.