16 Teams Depart Kobuk 440 Start in Kotzebue
Sixteen dog teams took off from Kotzebue this afternoon at the start of the 2018 Kobuk 440. Leading the pack across the sea ice was this year’s Iditarod Rookie of the Year, Jessie Holmes. Absent was Kotzebue musher Katherine Keith, although some of her kennel’s dogs will be on the trail.
For Many Rookies, Just Finishing Iditarod Is Prize Enough
“Rookie of the Year would be nice,” Jessie Holmes says, “but really, my focus is to run this dog team to the level of their capabilities.” Among Holmes’ challenges will be competing rookie Matt Hall, 2017 Yukon Quest champ.
Moore, Hall, Neese Finish As Top Three In 2018 Yukon Quest
Moore claims his third Yukon Quest win after finishing first in 2013 and 2014. Third-place finisher Laura Neese arrived into the Whitehorse finish just before 5:00 PST this afternoon.
After Injury, Keith Scratches from Yukon Quest — But Keeps Iditarod in Her Sights
Kotzebue musher Katherine Keith scratched from the Yukon Quest after a broken wrist. But she says the setback should not affect her ability to run the Iditarod next month.
Moore Leads Pack As Mushers Enter Second Quarter of Yukon Quest
Six mushers have left Circle and are heading down the 160-mile stretch to Eagle, Alaska. 2013 Quest champion Allen Moore retains his lead in first position.
First Scratch of 2018 Yukon Quest, Moore Maintains Lead Out of Circle Checkpoint
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.
2018 Yukon Quest Begins on Saturday
26 teams, including two mushers from Western Alaska, are set to compete on a 1,000-mile course from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
Roster Is Set for 2018 Yukon Quest; After Final Deadline, 26 Mushers Are Registered
There are a total of 15 veterans and 11 rookies signed up to run the 2018 Yukon Quest; that’s five more mushers than last year’s race. The 35th annual Yukon Quest is scheduled to start on February 3rd.
2017 Kobuk 440 Starts Today
Kobuk 440 race coordinator Carmen Daggett says the first teams are expected to cross the finish line in Kotzebue sometime late Sunday or early Monday.