Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Iditarod Record!


Today the world record for the fastest Iditarod finish was made by John Baker.
(Above: one of Baker's winning teammates. Photo credit: Associated Press.)

Baker finished the 1,082 mile dogsled race across Alaska in 8 days, 19 hours, 46 minutes, & 39 seconds. That's about 3 hours faster than record holder Martin Buser. Here's a short video of Baker coming into Nome. His dogs got tangled up and he had to walk them across the finish line, but he was still way ahead of anyone else.





Baker is also the first Alaskan Native American musher (an Inupiat Eskimo) to win the race since 1976. Besides just winning the race and the honor of breaking a world record, Baker will receive $50,400 and a new truck.


Ramey Smyth finished 2nd, coming in to Nome 64 minutes later, also breaking the previous record for speed.

We had great fun following the race this year, and are proud of all the mushers & dogs who make it across the finish line in this tough race, even those who just TRIED to do it! WAY TO GO!!!!!

Here's a great site for Kid's News, DOGO NEWS,
including a story about the Iditarod! (in the Sports Section)
Thanks Mrs. McDaniel for sharing this with us! :)

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