Ryan Holmes Wins Iditarod for Second Straight Year

0:00This is Cory with the story with Anchorage News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Ryan Holmes has made history as the first repeat champion of the Idyterod Trail Sled Dog Race in 10 years. He won his second straight title on the traditional 1,000-mile Northern Route from Willow after taking the 1,130-mile Fairbanks course last year due to low snow. His team can't stop across the finish line in Nome in 9 days, 7 hours, and 32 minutes. The race started on March 8th, with Holmes leading most of the way. He finished well ahead of the pack, beating his time from last year by more than a full day. His dogs, led by Zeus and Polar, stayed strong through tough winds and wind chills down to 45 below earlier in the race. Fans braved sub-zero temperatures to cheer Holmes along Front Street to the Broad Arch. He pumped his fists, high five supporters, and praised his 12-dog team right away. Feeding them, ribeye stakes at the finish. Holmes always focuses on keeping his dogs happy and healthy, even giving them extra snacks and care during the mandatory 8-hour stop in white.

1:07Mountain before the final 77-miles. This March's Holmes' 9th Idyterod, where he's hit the top 10 most years and earned rookie of the year in 2018. Originally from Alabama, and known from the show, Life Below Zero, he invests heavily in his team's rest and food for long-term speed and power. Meanwhile, close rival Paige Dropney fell to fourth after a rest stop, with Travis Beale's taking second. The field was one of the smallest ever at 34 mushars, with four dropouts including a tragic loss of one dog. Officials note the story is still developing. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels, built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-SoliPillo.com. Made in AI.