Jessie Holmes Leads Iditarod, Seeks Back-to-Back Win

0:00This is Corey with the story, keeping Anchorage in the know you're listening to Anchorage news today. Defending Champion Jesse Holmes is leading the Idyterod Trail's lead dog race after becoming the first musher to reach the Koei checkpoint just after. 7.30 a.m. on Monday, his team can't stop, has held the front spot through much of this 1,000-mile journey from Anchorage to Nome. Only five other muskers have ever won back-to-back Idyterods with the last repeat victory happening a decade ago. Holmes built a strong gap over the competition, including top challengers like Paige Drobney from Cantwell and veteran Travis Beals. Those teams have been trading positions while balancing runs and rests for their dogs. From Koeiook, it's about 90 miles to White Mountain where everyone must take an 8-hour layover and the leader there usually goes on to win. Holmes credits his dog's strong performance to smart feeding with beef, fat and kibble, which keeps their energy high and attitudes positive even on. Long pushes. This is his 9th Idyterod, the Alabama native gained fame on the reality show, Life Below Zero, and earned Rookie of the Year back in 2018.

1:10Races have dealt with tough conditions like bison crossings, overflow ice and wind chills down to 45 below zero. So far, just one musher has scratched Rookie Jay Foucher from New Hampshire, who called an early trail section brutally tough. In the non-competitive expedition class, a couple teams have pulled out due to issues like Kennelkopf leaving 35 teams spread across more than 150 miles of trail. After White Mountain, it's 77 miles to the finish line under the Burled Arch in Nome. Top teams could arrive as early as Tuesday afternoon, wrapping up what could be Holmes' second straight title. The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor. Headphones in a pillow, once you try it, it just makes sense, S-L-L-I-SoliPillo.com.