The 2011 Iditarod has been finished in record time by musher John Baker, who finisihed in 8 days and 18 hours, beating the previous record, which was held by Martin Buser, by two hours. The 48 year-old from Kotzbue Alaska has competed in every Iditerod for the past 15 years, and has finished in the top ten 11 times.
Ramey Smyth finished second, finishing in about 8 days and 20 hours, nearly matching the previous record, followed by Hans Gratt in third, Dallas Seavy in fourth, and Hugh Neff in fifth.
Often referred to as “The Last Great Race” The Iditarod is an 1150 mile dogsled race crossing mountains, tundra, frozen rivers, and dense forests in Alaska. The begins in Anchorage, Alaska, and ends in Nome, following the route taken by mushers in 1925 as they rushed to deliver serum to diphtheria-striken Nome.
Photo courtesy of sydney g on Flickr.