Huge group of Leaders Head into Rohn

The top 15 mushers have all left Rainy Pass and are on their way to Rohn and with most of them having rested similar amounts since the beginning of the race, they are just separated by three hours. Currently Paul Gebhardt and Rick Swenson are leading the pack into Rohn, but Sebastian Schnuelle, Aaron Burmeister, and Hugh Neff are just a mile or two right behind them. Its an interesting top 5 at this point and it’s worth noting that many of the favorites coming into the race aren’t very far behind – and using very different strategies right now. While most mushers have about 8-10 hours of rest up to this point, where and when they are taking the rest will play a big factor over the next day or two. Rick Swenson’s position in the race is notable right now, while the winningest musher in Iditarod history hasn’t ever been counted out, 2001 was the last time the five time champion was able to make it into the top 5.

If you haven’t already read the previous post from earlier today entitled “Mushers Coming into Rainy Pass” go and take a quick look, there is trail description that speaks to the environment that many mushers are facing right now, headed from Rainy Pass to Rohn.