The Dogs Can Smell Nome

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Leading mushers and their teams are fast approaching the end of the race, all that stands in their way is a mandatory eight-hour break. File photo, Alaska Superstation ABC®.

Chad news

Story Created: Mar 11, 2008 at 11:09 AM AKST

Story Updated: Mar 11, 2008 at 11:09 AM AKST

77 miles from the end of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome stands the town of White Mountain. At 8:53 Tuesday morning defending champion Lance Mackey pulled into town, with Jeff King following close behind.

King arrived at 9:50 AM and his full team of 16 dogs. It is required that all mushers take an eight-hour break in White Mountain. All estimates put the winner arriving in Nome early Wednesday morning.

Three-time Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race winner from Whitehorse, Hans Gatt, was in third place. Following Gatt was Ken Anderson of Fairbanks and Ramey Smyth of Willow.