As Moira just reported, Aliy has left Circle for the last sprint back to the finish line in Central only eight minutes ahead of Chase Tingle. (A perfect name in this situation, no?)
You may have noticed that Aliy arrived in Circle 35 minutes ahead of Chase and wondered why she "lost time" in the checkpoint during her mandatory 6-hour rest. Perhaps you remembered that their "start differential" needed to be made up?
Because Aliy started #56 and Chase started #65 she had to "give back" 27 minutes (3 minutes for each of the 9 starting position delays). That took her "lead" down to only 8 minutes, and I agree with Moira that Aliy will be kicking it the whole way!
Despite Aliy's focus and effort on the trail, I'd be willing to bet she allowed herself to enjoy a special little moment.
According to the tracker, Aliy just passed Ryne who is going the opposite direction toward her last rest in Circle.
Given their very close relationship, I'd guess a spirited "Howdy!" was probably exchanged.
Since Dingle and Lester are running on Ryne's team, the dogs almost certainly joined in with a "Woof!" of their own... Stay tuned!
