Aliy arrives in Nome in Second Place

A monster race and valiant competitive effort ended for Aliy when she crossed under the burled arch on Nome's Main Street at 8:29pm in second place for the best Iditarod finish of her mushing career. The crowd who had come to watch Dallas Seavey cross the finish line hung around for an hour to show Aliy their appreciation for her incredible effort. Aliy threw the other competitors a curve ball by doing a 3 leg 220 mile run from Takotna to Galena. By the time she reached Galena she had established herself as a contender and played her role in making Iditarod 2012 a thrilling race until the end.

The dogs are curled up and resting and Aliy has had a good meal and is headed to bed. Thanks so much to everyone for their support and comments. I, like you, am looking forward to Aliy's post which will tell us more about her trip.

Our focus is now shifting to Ryne's race, who this morning led a charge out of Shaktoolik into the wind and pack ice of the Bearing Sea taking her from 33rd to 24th place in the current standings. She is in the middle of some adventures of her own which we will share with you tomorrow.

Thanks and good night,
Wes