Aliy and the team have left Elim at 10.25pm after one hour, 43 minutes of rest! She is still running with 10 dogs. Mitch Seavey is a mere two miles ahead of her and at the time of writing no-one else has checked out of Elim.
They are now on their way to White Mountain via the village of Golovin. This is a difficult section of trail as they climb the notorious Little McKinley and traverse several passes ranging 800 to 1000+ feet. Aliy will be ski-poling and running in the race of her life!
Once they climb through these hills they will drop down on Golovin Bay. Coming into Golovin can be both mentally and physically challenging for both the mushers and dogs alike, as this is not an official checkpoint of the Iditarod but a village of welcoming fans and onlookers. All mushers’ goal will be to pass through without stopping although you may see Aliy pause here for autographs as she is known, as well as Lance Mackey, to do this.
After leaving the village of Golovin they briefly leave the Bering Sea Coast to travel upriver on the Fish River to the village of White Mountain. Fans: cross your fingers, say your prayers or do whatever it is that you do as this is one of the last runs of the race.
Once they reach White Mountain all teams have a mandatory (and much deserved) eight hour rest.
GO ALIY!!!!
Praying for Aliy and the Red team's safe passage through the mountains, good rest in White Mountain, and winning run into Nome!
Pulling out of Elim is HUGE for Aliy!… She has often said it is one of the hardest checkpoints to pull out of because it starts with a pretty steep uphill climb. If she's done it after only two hours of rest, she must have solid confidence in her team!
Praying for Aliy and the Red Team's safe passage through the mountains, good rest in White Mountain, and winning run into Nome!
Just saw this on the GPS! Go Aliy!!!!! She is looking so strong right now!
I'm so excited for Aliy! I live here in Fairbanks, and don't know anyone else who gets excited about the Iditarod. Maybe I'm hanging out with the wrong people, lol. I've been hearing about Aliy since I moved to AK in 2000, and it's so good to see her success. She's a real role model! Wish I were out there…
BTW, thanks for all the updates 🙂
God speed Aliy.
Sophies Dad
This race is mega-interesting. One of the best I've watched. Go Aliy!
Oh please, oh please!!
My husky, Blanco Bob Chukchi & I are rooting for you all the way! And, we were so excited to see you cut your rest time in Elim & go out after the win!
Have faith in what your amazing team can do, especially with Quito leading them in strong!
Go Red Team!
She's closing the gap!!! Longest night ever for the red team! GO ALLY! Go dogs!
We are ALL pulling for you in spirit. The photos look amazing and there is great strength in the eyes. Good going…may the night be the best run of your life ! God Speed is right.
Aliy is an awesome role model. I have young ladies in my resource room so impressed and inspired by her. These learning challenged individuals are saying they want to be like her! Sure everyone's road is different and how we get there is unique–but to have inspiration like Aliy is priceless! I'm praying and want to best for Aliy and the Red Team! Do It Aliy! I know you can! I'm going to be glued to my GPS today—and the tums! WWAAAAHHHOOOO!
Go Aliy and team! What an inspiration for all women. I also like the updates on the dogs and the dropped dogs – Aliy is so successful while really taking care of the dogs. GO ALIY – you and the team can do it and we are on the edge of our seats rooting for you. Again we really appreciate the team that is providing these updates – Thank you.
Go Aliy! I hope she is getting enough rest to avoid having other mushers close in.
Wow! Aly and the team have made this a heck of a race. Two miles behind Mitch, it will be interesting to see how many come out of White Mountain and in what condition. GO Aly, Quito, and Team, it's the year! Thank you so much for the ride-I feel like we got a opportunity to be as close to the trail and team as possible-best sport and best team in the world!!!
Doug, BREATHE!
I am so excited I can hardly stand it! Mitch and team looked so tired coming into White Mtn. Aliy and team looked so strong.
Can anyone tell me what Aliy's average time on this last 77 miles to Nome has been?
Big cheers from GA!!!!!
We're all pulling for Aliy in my class here in Craig, Alaska….all except for one student who is pulling for Mitch. Aliy and her team have been incredible throughout this race and it should be one heck of a finish!
Go Aliy!
Tuesday afternoon here in Snohomish, WA My wife and I are pulling hard for Aliy all the way to Nome. Please, Please, OH Please pass Mitch, this is Your YEAR,!!!!!!! Go Go Go 🙂