If you’ve been following the race all night, you know it’s been crazy out there!

For those of you just tuning in, here’s my best shot at summarizing reliable reports:

Just short of the Safety checkpoint — in a notorious and aptly named area known as “The Blowhole” — horrific winds kicked up, with gusts up to 65 mph.

Jeff King and his team were blown completely off the trail, got tangled in driftwood and were unable to get going again. After two hours stopped on the trail, Jeff hitched a snow machine ride to Safety and officially scratched. His team is okay and is being ferried to the checkpoint for later transport to Nome.

In the process, Aliy passed Jeff to take the lead going into Safety. She parked her team at the checkpoint and had been resting there for over two hours when Dallas Seavey arrived and continued through.

Twenty minutes later, Aliy was back on the move with ten dogs in pursuit of Dallas and his team of seven. At the moment she is about a mile behind him as they race to Nome.

So, after more than a week of astonishing sled dog racing, we’ve got a real nail-biter heading to the finish line!

The two teams are about 20 miles from the finish line. Aliy has more dogs on the line, fresh off a rest of more than two hours… Stay tuned!

31 Responses

  • We're breathless here in PR!
    Amazing race, regardless of outcome.
    But with you all the way, Aliy!
    Blessings

  • Prayers are being kept being lifted up. GO ALIY and the RED TEAM!! Prayers were answered to an even greater level. Prayers were that Jeff would have a natural situation that would allow Aliy to pass him. The answer was Jeff scratched PTL.All through natural situation for the area. Aliy Go get and take the lead Aliy and Red team it belongs to you all, you all can do it. Yes up watching and jumping with excitement and encouragement for Aliy. OH LORD LET THEM take the lead. Glide on the wings of angels with the wind pushing you and moving at God's speed! Blessing to you all! Ron in AZ ragodfrey@yahoo.com

  • Aliy GOoooooooooo! Get that rascal!!
    Dawgs Goooooooooo! OMG, this is on the edge!!

    We are here pushing for you and watching.

    Ohhh Aliy we are with you!

    Trish McAleer

  • We are so proud of you, Aliy and red team! We have been up all night following you here in Texas! Praying for safe finish most of all, but a win despite all the craziness would be so worth it! Go Quito! Go Aliy! You can do it! Final push!

  • Hope she takes him before "no man's land" or else the race officials clear main street!
    -Rex

  • Joe Runyan is bad, you can tell he is partial, but to report that
    "Seavey and Sorlie are almost even, with Seavey leading the way." That is pitiful! When did he write that?

    Go Aliy!!!!

  • Have been up all night. sitting and watching. what a turn of events. eager to have all of them safe at home.

    Aliy, Keep pushing through. I watch and rewatch… this GPS makes us all feel as though we are a little closer. I know you can catch him. this is YOUR year.

  • Ohhhh Aliy, You, your dogs and your team behind you did a FABULOUS race with all the obstacles this year. We LOVE you and your team!!

    We are cheering for you!

    Best, Trish McAleer

  • Congratulations Aliy. Choosing to put your dogs first, in the face of severe conditions, makes you a top notch musher. Their safety was more important to you, than crossing the line first, and in my book, that makes you not only the best musher a team could have, but an UN-touchable winner. Congratulations to you and your team. Way to go.

  • We love you Aliy! You are precious, unique, saintly, one of a kind, and loved daughter and with your team masterpieces of God's glorious creation! You are a true winner!! Thank you! Thank you! for all your hard work and all that you give.

    And, may I add: Loving Father, let your grace keep me from being stuck in my own pride; give me the courage to follow where you lead.

  • Go Alliy….. Go Dog Team. God is with you all the way. HIS Angles are pushing that sled from behind. Prayers for you & the team. JP Califoria

  • Your Puerto Rico team has been with you all the way, including Paul and family here on vacation, and Len and family in Tennessee. We are so proud of you and the dogs.

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