Two rookies have scratched from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Darin Nelson of Kotzebue, scratched at the Galena checkpoint, race officials said.

Concerns over the health of his team, were the reasons cited by the 38-year-old musher. Ten dogs remained when he scratched.

The other rookie was 55-year-old Rodney Whaley from Franklin, Tennessee. On Sunday, Whaley scratched also stating due to concerns over the health of his team.

11 teams have scratched so far, including one who scratched before the race began. Half of the scratches have been rookies.

In the 1,100-mile race, eighty-five teams remain. The leaders of the race are currently on the coast and headed to Nome.