Iditarod Mushers Rest at Ruby Checkpoint

0:00It's March 14, here's your Anchorage news in two minutes. Mushers in the I did a rod race have reached Ruby, the first checkpoint along the Yukon River. Teams led by Ryan Reddington, Jesse Holmes, Mill Porsald, and Paige Drobney pulled in after tough early legs. This stopped Leston rest dogs, refuel, and make repairs before pushing on. Several competitors arrived on March 13, 2026, parking their sleds near the community hall. Dogs got booties, blankets, and hot meals while handlers heated water and tended paws. Expedition class racer Thomas Wierner also waved hello as he rolled in. There's a real sense of camaraderie, Ruby, with mushers like Holmes and Porsald, sharing hugs, and Drobney greeting Michelle Phillips. Reddington and Laurel Ecklin fueled up side by side, and Holmes even grabbed champagne with his five-course meal. As some teams rested under the stars, a hint of northern lights glowed overhead early Friday. Sparkle from Hannah Lyrex teams snuggled under blankets with the rest.

1:02Now, frontrunners like Reddington and Holmes are heading down the Yukon River, booties on, ready for the next stretch. The race keeps rolling through Alaska's wild interior. This DNA story comes to you, thanks to our sponsor. Your pillow just got smarter. It plays your podcasts and music. S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.