(KOTZEBUE, Alaska, 9:30 p.m.)  – As the evening hours waned, two teams were still on the Kotzebue Loop north of Selawik, and one beleaguered team called it quits in Koyuk. Team 2, Jacob Dahle and Dustin Dohrn of Minnesota, left the White Mountain checkpoint at 12:41 p.m. and did not arrive into Koyuk until 7:04 p.m., a roughly 100-mile section that took the front-runners just an hour and a half to cover. Unofficial reports blame mechanical problems – a reality in this race that can put racers from first to finished in a matter of seconds.

 “I don’t know exactly what happened other than mechanical problems, but I’m trying to help them get out of Koyuk because we’re not supposed to stay there,” said Mike Vasser, Iron Dog’s interim executive director. 

 Kotzebue had a warm welcome for Team 37, the Canadians Ben Hildebrand and Mark Fosty, who gained notoriety during last year’s Iron Dog after inadvertently backtracking to Kotzebue. Dejected at their misstep, which cost them valuable time, they considered scratching. But after a pep talk from Kotzebue fans – and a giant cheeseburger – they forged ahead and went on to complete their rookie race in red lantern position. 

“I heard they are doing good,” Vasser said. “There was a little concern earlier that they went the wrong way, but that wasn’t the case; they are fine.” 

 Fosty and Hildebrand are indeed fine, faring much better this year. They arrived in Kotzebue at 7:32 p.m. and are holding onto 13th-place of 17 teams. 

 At the back of the pack, but holding steady is Team 40, rookies Mark Nelson and Daniel Thomas of Utah. They left Selawik at 8:22 p.m. and at their current pace should reach Kotzebue before midnight.

 “I think they are moving along at a pace that is comfortable for themselves, and that’s OK,” Vasser added.  

 Brothers Joseph and Israel Hale, the first team to arrive in Nome on Monday, is now traveling in last place. They ran into mechanical issues today, having to stop in Koyuk to repair a broken front torque arm, but they checked out of Buckland at 7:46 p.m.

 “That’s the nature of the race, and it’s too bad since they just came out of the wrenching in Nome,” Vasser said. “But they are back on course.”

 Overall, Vasser said, he is amazed that the race is still so close.

 “From my perspective, it’s incredible that there are 58 seconds apart from first and second place, and that there is less than 15 minutes between first and third – and we’re almost 1,500 miles into the race. 

 “I don’t think it’s ever been this close.” 

 Teams will depart Kotzebue beginning at 6 a.m. Thursday. The next scheduled checkpoint is in Galena, but rumors are flying that some racers may push to McGrath. 

 “You go from Kotzebue to Galena, and that’s an eight-hour run,” he said. “And to go on to McGrath? It’s their choice, but I think going on to McGrath will be to their detriment.” 

 Media Contact: Mike Vasser, Interim  Executive Director, Iron Dog Inc., (907) 563-4414  •  director@irondog.org