Iditarod Race: Holmes Leads, Drobny Chases

0:00In Anchorage today, March 15th, Jesse Holmes leads the Idyterod Trail sled dog race as musher's cruise down the Yukon River on Friday and Saturday. He's pushing to repeat his win from last year, with Paige's drop knee just a few hours back chasing her first victory in the 1,000 mile event. Front teams are nearing the Overland Portage from Caltech to Anala Cleet, kicking off the final third along the Norton Sound Coast. Meanwhile, a tight chase pack bunches up in New Lotto by Saturday afternoon. Most need their mandatory 8-hour rest on the Yukon before hitting the Portage Trail, keeping the leaders gap intact for now. Farther upriver and Ruby, middle of the pack mushes, takes stock during their own 8-hour breaks. Many hope to push farther, but face repairs and harsh cold below zero, especially overnight. Keaton Lowbrick deals with the busted sled box while grabbing short naps, noting his dogs are solid, but the trail's been slow after cold camps. Bayley Vitelo sees this as a building year for his mostly 2-year-old dogs, he's raised

1:03himself. He finished 5th last time, but recovered from a team stomach bug and focuses on showing them the trail. Veteran Jason Mackie, off schedule from an early dog and heat issue, ponders come back from 23rd place, but vows not to quit. Rookies invets alike swap strategies in Ruby's community hall, timing departures for cooler night runs. Mushers like Gabe Dunham savor moments, like a roar is on the trail, racing more for the adventure than the top spots as the pack presses on. D&N is brought to you by our sponsor, a pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, bill for nighttime listening, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com