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March 12, 2016 by

Firstly, Aliy and the dogs are okay.

We are hearing horrible reports about incidents with a drunk snow-machiner harassing dog teams between Koyukuk and Nulato and that Aliy had a scary and distressing encounter with him before she got to the checkpoint.

We had a call from the Iditraod Race Marshall early this morning to say that Aliy is okay, her dogs have been thoroughly checked out by the veterinarian team at the checkpoint and they are okay too. Aliy took some time in the checkpoint to regroup and the mushers involved got good support from the team at the checkpoint and the Iditarod organisation.

We feel very far away right now but she knows we are with her in spirit and so are you all. We understand she has revamped her race plan but will continue down the trail.

There is a plan to keep Allen in the loop also.

This is a developing story and we have very little information so please check with the Iditarod and other news sources as they will have the information first. We’ll update when we can.

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76 Responses

  • What is this world coming to? My heart jumped a few beats reading this—and I'm praying for Aliy and her team. Aliy is one of the smartest and strongest women I know–Hang in there and go with your plan!

  • I just heard the Special Report on Iditarod.com….Im speechless. When I saw Aliy come in I immediately noticed the trail markers in her sled and could tell she was upset or perhaps just tired. Now I totally understand….how horrible. The only solace I can find is the man is in custody and this is an isolated incident..the Teams on the trail are safe. I am beyond relieved knowing Aliy and her Team were not injured….however my heart goes out to Jeff King. I am truly saddened by the reports I am hearing.

    Be strong Aliy and the whole SPK Crew….you are in our thoughts….now more than ever!!!

  • Oh, no! My thoughts are with Aliy and the team…Jeff King said he had a dead dog and several hurt in his trailer…she looked really shaken. What is wrong with people?

  • I couldn't believe it when the report came across the Live stream. Just sick. So thankful that Aliy and the dogs are not injured (at least physically). So sad for Jeff. Good to see she has left Nulato and is on the trail again. I hope she keeps the trail markers all the way to Nome. She is a gutsy lady!

  • Unfortunately, alcoholism is a very real and damaging problem in Alaska. The native population is especially hard hit, but it by no means is relegated to villages and natives. Alaska has the highest incident per capita of alcoholism in the U.S.

    My heart broke when I listened to Jeff King on the video .. I am grateful that SPK dogs are safe

  • My thoughts and prayers are with Aliy and her team, and Allen behind her and probably hearing only from others what is happening. May the remainder of the race be smooth and successful. What a wonderful woman to persevere through it all and continue to be strong.

  • Pure anger is my first response to the jerk! Are they going to have to provide troopers on the ID trail now? I am definitely praying for Aliy for a sense of calm and peace of mind as she goes forward and a prayer of thanks that there were no injuries to her and her dogs. Also thoughts and prayers for Jeff King. So incredibly horrible!

  • Aliy ~ You are amazing! Continuing your race! One Tough Woman! Quite an example for everyone!
    I would be ranting and loosing it, You demonstrated, how a woman can deal with crap that happens and move beyond it!
    Not letting this incident define your Race or who you are!
    You ARE my Hero!!!

  • I have had such an urgency to pray for Aliy the last 24 hours, especially for protection and safety for her and her team. I am so glad she is physically safe. Will continue to pray.

  • Wow, just watched the video of Aliy in Nulato. She even apologized to the person she was talking to for being emotional, and thanked them as she was leaving. She's a strong woman, that's for sure!

  • What horrible news that someone would do such a thing. I just hope
    that someone could cheer her up so as too not effect her race. She
    is a tough woman! The trail will be hard for Allen as well.
    My thoughts go out to Jeff King as the mushing world is a family
    as well.
    Praying for SPK and hope the rest of the race is safe!

  • Thoughts and prayers for Jeff and Aliy.

    Carry on both of you.

    And yes, more done to solve the alcoholism problem both in AK and elsewhere.

    Still rooting for an Aliy win!

  • Thank you very much for all updates. Beside all the worry and mourning for the dogs and their human friends it is quite horrible for the village of Koyukuk to have to deal with this stigma that this snowmachiner burdened them with. There is such a great support from so very many Fans for so very many years especially for Aliy, that it is a shame to have to watch out for attackers now. A shock like this, to have the ill intent of humans pointed at you, is not easy to overcome or shake off. As in war traumatised people, it is most shaking and needs time and training to come to a path of forgiving in order to be at peace inside and to fully regain your strength to perform so very exceptionally from your very core. All my strength and sheltering thoughts reach over the distance and go to Aliy , to Jeff and all fearfull dogs now.
    Thank you very much SPK team for creating this thought exchange and all care.
    Ingabritt

  • I was do distressed to see the videos this morning with Aliy and especially Jeff. Horrific and unfair and infuriating. I hope the person is punished severely. Being drunk is not an excuse. I'm so grateful Aliy and her team are ok

  • This is just unbelievable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Aliy and the team.
    Ann and Tom

  • Sending thoughts and prayers to Aliy and Jeff, too. Very disturbed to hear such horrible news. I am glad Aliy and Jeff are okay. Wishing the best to both teams.

  • Aliy,
    Words can not express how I am feeling this morning after hearing about the attack on you and Jeff. The tears won't stop.
    You are amazing and strong to continue and I hope you find some healing in the remainder of your race.
    I wouldn't have faulted you for pulling out. But I have a feeling you know what will help you most. Find lots of love and support along the trail to Nome.
    Unfortunately, where I work, I see the worst of humanity. You and Jeff are fortunate to have survived. Your quick action and sharp minds saved you from a deadly situation. My heart goes out to both of you.
    It seems almost backward that in a time when you have been through such a traumatic event, that you would be the one cheering us up.
    You are.
    I may need to watch the Run Dogs Run video a couple hundred times today to help get over this. You and your dogs look so absolutely gorgeous in the video.
    Lots of love.
    🙂

  • I am still angry about this. I noticed that one of the team was hurt and was left in Nulato. I hope they are ok and not too traumatized. Extra lovings for when they get to Anchorage. I would have a hard time leaving my dog after an experience like that. Glad they got the guy. It should never have happened.

    I may have to watch the Run Dogs Run, too, a hundred times to move on.

    Aliy is on to Kaltag. Go Aliy and team!

    Sandy H

  • I'm very glad Aliy and the dogs are ok, though I know this leaves her very shaken. It's just horrible that Jeff's dog, Nash, was killed! So unbelievable that anyone would do this.

  • I guess this is why they have to carry an axe…soooo sad for all involved. What a senseless act of violence! Here's to some peace for Aily and her teammates …and Jeff King and his teammates …..
    Let the wind be at their backs!

  • Aliy, thanks You and the team is ok ???, and stay on the race.
    Prayers for You and the team. From the report,
    Iditarod Trail Committee:
    Aliy's = One dog received a non-life threatening injury,
    thanks God..
    Aliy, PRAY FOR YOU, soon You are @ Nome, with Your team together.

    Jeff, = resulted in the death of Nash, in addition, Crosby and Banjo
    received non-life threatening injuries.

    Sending thoughts and Prayers to ALIY & JEFF.

    Hi, from Florida , Brita,

  • Wishing the best and for her to push on through! I know she has the capability to and she will be able to get on track. Such a horrible thing to happen to such a great person and her team. Good luck on the next few hundred miles! You've got this!

  • Praying for strength, courage and peace for Aliy, Allen and Jeff. I'm glad the team is safe. Praying for safe, uneventful travels the rest of the way to Nome. ~Meredith

  • We are rooting and praying for you in the lower 48. Be safe Aliy and Jeff. Our hearts are with you and your teams.

  • Prayers sent your way on a great recovery and strong finish! I'm sorry to hear something so horrible would happen to such a great team and an amazing musher! You can get through this and finish strong I know you can! Good luck on the next few hundred miles you've got his! Go Aliy!

  • 28m behind SAss, 2h behind Mitch(+8h), followed in acceleration by Dallas, LET the best nerves win! And all the good luck to Aliy and those heart-y dog athletes: a crazy moose might have been it, instead of a scary smowmachine: shake it off, there are always obstacles, go cautious and hard. Enjoy the race! Bravo, SPK!!! From all of us, Ingabritt

  • God Speed, I am so sorry to hear this. Stay courageous, brave on Aily, Mismo, Scout and team!

  • This is SO sad!!! Aliy has been my favorite musher since I was 12. I'm now 18 and it has only become a stronger like for her! Praying for the team that they can regroup and continue on down the trail! So glad that none of the dogs were harmed! Also praying for Jeff as well. Sad imcident.
    Kelsey from Indiana

  • Sending good vibes, lots of prayers and a sense of peace for you and your team Aliy as you continue on your journey to Nome.. You are a strong woman.. God be with you…. Prayers to Jeff & his team also.. What a horrible thing to happen to both teams but especially causing the death of one dog and injuries to 3 more….

  • Sending good vibes, lots of prayers and a sense of peace for you and your team Aliy as you continue on your journey to Nome.. You are a strong woman.. God be with you…. Prayers to Jeff & his team also.. What a horrible thing to happen to both teams but especially causing the death of one dog and injuries to 3 more….

  • I am so sickened by this news. So sorry for Jeff King's loss and the traumatic encounter to Aliy and Jeff's teams. AWFUL!
    Sending prayers and strength.

    Holly

  • Sending good vibes to Aliy and the team! Prayers for Jeff and his team as well.

    horrible thing to happen to both teams

  • I'm with A-Team Becky on this. Having a very hard time controlling emotions on this one. I just helped work with 69 dogs last night here on the dog lot and I think I'm even more in love with these athletes. Neither they or the mushers deserve any kind of stupidness and this takes the cake. I'll leave the other words I want to say out.
    Aliy is showing us how to perservere. How to re-group, how to take a deep breath and go forward. I'm sending lots of love to her, the team, and obviuosly Jeff King and team. The whole of Iditarod needs our positive light right now.

  • OMG this is AWFUL!! The world is getting sicker and sicker. Prayers love and light to Aliy and her team. I see she left one dog but hopefully not badly hurt. For Jeff I am weeping–he lost one and another two were hurt. Tragic and terrible. I am sick and horrified. Please no more tragedies.

  • Aliy, stay strong. Don't let this idiot define your race, your season. You're such a positive person, a real role model for our girls. We are so sorry this happened to you and Jeff.

    Laine Family

  • Aliy, you and your dogs are an inspiration. Cried a few tears thinking about how horrible last night must've been. In a race full of great people and amazing dogs, you and your team have and will always be my favorite. Your strength and courage set a great example for girls, women, and all people. Thanks so much to the SP Kennel for all the work you do.

  • I don't know what this world is coming to. News like this is awful and truly upsetting. Please let Aliy know that her fans are concerned for her and the team, but we know she is strong and will recover. I wish I could be there to give Aliy and all the dogs a big hug. I've been a fan for a long time. I hate this for Jeff King as well and so sorry he lost a dog. Let's all hope there is some justice done with the guy who committed such a horrible act.

  • The entire family is in my prayers. Aliy is strong and faithful, she and her dogs are amazing individuals and an invincible team. God's speed as you continue down the trail!

  • So sad to hear what has happened to Aliy, Jeff and their teams, really shocking. My thoughts are with them. Aliy is an amazing woman to be able to defend herself like that, then be able to get back on track after a few hours. Go Aliy – you show them!

  • Nauseating… To the max. Whatever your final decision as you continue a past a ghastly interuption – everyone is behind you; in front of you; and both sides of you & precious team mates.

    Feel yourself surrounded with all.

    Thank you SPK crew…

  • I am just shocked to hear this!! Thankful Aliy and Jeff and dogs are ok. But so mad about Nash! Totally uncalled for! Prayers for all of you ❤

  • So SICK about this deranged incident. Any word on which pup got injured? So sorry about NASH! What a psychological upset for all the dogs as they pick up fear from the musher and will now fear snow mobiles.

    What kind of sick human being could have done such a thing to innocents. I am beside myself.

  • Okay, team, here's what we faithful watchers will be doing: Turn on your porch light from now until both Aliy and Allen are safely into Nome.

  • Wish there was a time adjustment that could be made…across the board to compensate these two mushers for time and dogs lost. Truly unbelievable. Sad, sad day.

  • The key to this experience is in the simple request by Aliy NOT to be interviewed as she and the Red Team prepared to leave Nulato.

    And indeed, no one from the Iditarod team interjected comment in this video. Silence. Except for hearing the text as my eyes "read" the words.

    Now the page is turned. Dedicate the 2016 race to the glory of these 4-legged athletes. WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!!!

  • So SICK about this deranged incident. Any word on which pup got injured? So sorry about NASH! What a psychological upset for all the dogs as they pick up fear from the musher and will now fear snow mobiles.

    What kind of sick human being could have done such a thing to innocents. I am beside myself.

  • I just couldn't believe the news when I woke up this morning! This is just awful and heartbreaking! I am glad Aliy and her team are going to be okay. My heart is just broken for Jeff though! To hit a dogteam on purpose at 80 mph and keep going? What was this jerk thinking? Very glad he was caught. Keeping SP Kennels and Husky Homestead in my thoughts and prayers today!

  • Aliy, Allen and SPK team,
    Straight ahead!
    "Optimism is true moral courage"
    -Shackleton

  • I'm so sorry Aliy and Jeff! Aliy, I'm so glad the team is ok! Sending positive thoughts and prayers to everyone! Love you guys!

  • Go! Aliy ! Kaltag! Hope you can cross in daylight and peace! Super team ! Love to all dogs and extra smiles to all "my fan dogs"!!!
    Smiles to the black team!
    Thanks for bouncing in our lifes!
    Ingabritt

  • Aliy and Jeff are in my thoughts since hearing of this horrible news. I am glad both are okay, but am very saddened to hear about Jeff's dogs and the injured dogs. Wishing the best to SP Kennel and Husky Homestead.
    Maryalice

  • I'm glad to hear Aliy and the dogs are OK. Alcoholism is a huge problem in the villages. People drink to black out and then do awful things like this. It is a tragedy for everybody involved.

  • Oh my goodness! How horrifying and sad. My heart goes out to Jeff King. Sending good vibes to Aliy and The whole team, humans and canines.

  • We are sending many healing thoughts and prayers to Aliy and to her team. She's tough as nails, and we're so impressed with how she handled sharing her experience. We're wearing red to show our support! Many hugs!

  • Just woke up this morning to the distressing news , little did l know when watching The live feed last night of Aliy arriving .! What had been happening. So grateful Aliy and the wonderful red team are ok but deeply saddened for Jeff King . Big hugs to Aliy , Allen , Sp kennel crew , the supporters , but most of all to the wonderful SP doggies 🔴⚫️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.
    Denali 🐾🐾 and Joanne 🇦🇺

  • Glad Aliy and her dogs are ok. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to all. Keep on keeping on Red & Black teams. Thanks to SP Kennel for the update. Hugs!
    Heartbroken for Jeff and his team.
    Pam

  • Aliy you are in our thoughts and prayers as well as Jeff. Know it must have been difficult to continue on but you are a strong woman and with are with you for the rest of your journey.
    Kay & Bob from the lower 48.

  • I am speechless, heart broken, sad, and tearful. What an incomprehensible act. Am so grateful you were not injured Aliy. Am am so angry that Jeff King's dog Nash was killed, and Clyde from SPK, & 2 other of Jeff's team we're injured. What a horrible and unnecessary thing to happen in the race. Go Aliy, Red team, Allen, & Black team!

  • Our prayers go out to you and the magnificent RED TEAM. Had to have been more than just scary. Glad that the Team is OK. Jeff has got to be in so much pain! We must ALL Pray for him, and his team. Best luck to the finish! Be safe out there.

  • Thank You God for keeping them all safe, Please bring your calmness and your loving guiding hand and bless Aliy and the Red Team. Help them to reorganize and regroup and take it all the way to the Nome finish line. Also be with Allen and the Black Team…. I am sending prayers and supporting spirits, GO ALIY GO!! Your loved!

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