Burmiester Claims Halfway Prize!

Well, it appears Aaron Burmiester has claimed the halfway prize into the new checkpoint of Huslia!!  Congrats Aaron!  Buser suprised everyone and pulled over at the shelter cabin for a rest.  Neff did the same.  Dallas is 8 miles ahead of Waerner at this poing and about 5 miles out from reaching Huslia.  Busrmiester declared his 24 hour rest here in Huslia....it will be interesting to see if Dallas, Waerner and Buser do the same.  They may opt to push further but its another 80+ mile back down to Koyukuk.  Ken Anderson is presently on his way to Huslia at mile 434 with Curt Perano 9 miles behind him. 

A word on mandatory rests: 
Each Musher must take an 8 hour rest between the checkpoints of Tanana and Kaltag. 
Each Musher must take a mandatory 24 hour rest at a checkpoint of thier choice
Each Musher must take an 8 hour rest at White Mountain....70+ miles from Nome

That said, none of the above mentioned mushers have taken their 24 hour rest....but they all have taken their first mandatory 8 hour rest.  Many other Mushers are in Galena taking their 24 hour rest right now, and will hit the trail to Huslia with fresh dogs.  King will be the first to come off his 24 hour at about 8:37 EST, with Aliy scheduled to come off hers around 10 am.  Aliy still hasnt taken her 8 hour mandatory rest but has until Kaltag to take it.  It is worthy to note everyone en route right now to Huslia (Dallas, Buser, Anderson, Waerner, Neff , Curt Perano) have all taken their 8 hour rest already EXCEPT for Burmiester...he has NOT...he will have to take his 8 hour before Kaltag as well.  

UPDATE:  Jodi Bailey and Dee Dee have now left Galena and are en route to Huslia.  Neither have taken their mandatory 24 hour rest but both have copmpleted the mandatory 8 hour rest. 

As you can see, you can not take the standings at face value right now without doing some math.  Once everyone is "apples to apples" in regards to taking their mandatory rests it will be easier to see who is emerging as the front runners. 

I unfortunately have to go to work now....BUT will be back covering the race ALL weekend....check back often!