Aliy and the team are safely home to Nome.
It was emotional to see them come down the chute looking so very good! Several waves of “Aliy! Aliy! Aliy!” chanted around the crowd and she received such a big cheer all the way down Front Street. Aliy was smiling, of course and her Mom and Dad were beaming with pride. She and Mitch Seavey were quickly ushered into a press conference in front of a huge crowd who hung on every word!
The dogs were happy, healthy and some were still even slamming into their harnesses to keep going! They chomped down several thawed salmon snacks as soon as they stopped then as they got to the dog lot they ate a big kibble meal and got full body massages and are now resting in their comfortable straw-filled homes.
Aliy is currently sitting in the lounge with us all telling stories of the trail. The one thing that stood out as a significant factor in the race was the rain – if affected everything: the trail, the dogs, the equipment, the mushers… everything. She is really proud of her team and we are really proud of her!
Here are a few photos; I’m working on the video now of both their finish and the press conference and we’ll get some of her stories on (virtual) paper for you as soon as I can.
The waiting throng of media; Quito basks in some much deserved glory
Aliy has a moment with Olivia
At the press conference with Doug and Mickey; answering questions
Telling us some trail stories
CONGRATULATIONS! I know it wasn't first, but it was an EXTREMELY bold effort and very close. WELL done! Your ATTITUDE is so amazing-always smiling and kind, even when you're exhausted and busy. THAT is something rare. Such a GREAT spirit, sparkle and inspiration as well as an AWESOME role model! Isn't it time for you to write a book?! WONDERFUL race.
Your updates are very much appreciated! Can't wait to see the videos. Congrats to everyone!
Continued best wishes to Allen…GO BLACK TEAM, GO!!
Amazing job team! I was very proud to follow your team for the race,and Aliy's smile at the end made me smile!
Congrats to you and the dogs Aily- u did AMAZING!!
Congrats from Chicago! – You and your team are amazing! We followed your race from beginning to end – you are truly an inspiration. We are looking forward to seeing updates and video. My heart is so proud for you and your dogs! CONGRATS TEAM ALIY!!!
Great race! Thanks for all of the updates — it made me feel like I was there 🙂
Congratulations, Aily! You and the dogs did an awesome job! Next year will be your year to win it all!
Best wishes for a continued safe journey for Allen and the Black Team.
Congratulations Ali and team! It's great to see a woman achieve such a feat. You should be proud. Wishing you the best in your future runs.
I can't wait to hear Aliy's comments on each dog. Quito in single lead for hundreds of miles and Mac who she called her 'gamble' for this race. How proud she must be of each of them. And I am proud and grateful to have had the chance to meet them too! The trail notes should be amazing this year yet again. Now get some rest and get ready for Allen!
Re-reading all the posts and the bloggers entries, there is nothing more for me to say than "thank you so very, very much" for sharing. Gracious and intelligent and so devoted to her 4-legged family, it was touching to see Aliy with her parental 2-legged family.
Congrats Aliy and Allen. It has been fun watching you guys progress over the last 5 years. Always great to see good things happening to good people like yourselves. Keep working hard!!
Just amazing. And that is what a true champion is. The joy over the beautiful hand-made mittens states it all. You are a winner Aliy Z.M. and all at SPK ! Now get some rest & glad to see those feet up ! Many congratulations ~
Aliy you are pure class!You are so easy to root for.You are such a positive athlete role model! What a race! Huzzah!
Thank you ALL for a great race!!! You are the very best!!!
Congratulations to Red and Black teams for an awesome season! Special props to Quito and Olivia, giving birth to 4-6 future champions, and getting right back to the top!!! Wow! Twice in a row for Quito. You're amazing girl.