Lanier Takes the Halfway Award!

Its official, Jim Lanier made it here to Cripple first, claiming the $3,000 prize by out running Trent Herbst and the Leaders off their 24 in Takotna. Just 20 minutes after Lanier arrived, Mitch Seavey pulled in. Herbst and Lanier will take their 24 hour rest here....the other Leaders will rest as well, but Im sure they will be on their way to Ruby after 4 or 5 hours. It was fun watching it all unfold on the GPS Tracker. I got company tonight, so I'm a little distracted...but I'll report when I see movement on the trail towards Ruby 70 miles up the trail, where a gourmet 7 course meal awaits the first onto the Yukon. Reports are Mitch Seavey has a really nice Team this year....and its showing in the standings. People describe his team as a "Champion" Team....will he hold that title all the way to Nome? Remember, only half the the race is done...now its on to the Yukon and a run to the Coast! Go Mitch! Zirkle remains out on the trail. She did rest some, but I'm concerned her team is wearing down. But since she has rested before reaching Cripple, she can actually blow through Cripple and on to Ruby. Lets see if this strategy works for her! Mackey made up some time from the long run from McGrath, and is now running with the leaders into Cripple. What a difference a day makes!