2017 Iditarod: Willow musher first to Ruby

WASILLA — Wade Marrs was the first musher to hit Ruby Wednesday evening, and the Willow musher picked up some art work for his efforts.

Marrs, who reached the checkpoint along the Yukon River at 6:40 p.m., earned the PenAir Spirit of Alaska Award. The honor includes a framed print by legendary Iditarod artist Jon Van Zyle, according to a press release issued by the Iditarod Trail Committee.

Marrs, who finished a career-best fourth in 2016, made the 119-mile trek along the Yukon from Tanana to Ruby in 17 hours, 33 minutes. As of the Ruby checkpoint, Marrs stood about 46 minutes ahead of defending champions Dallas Seavey, who arrived in Ruby at 7:26 p.m. As of 10 p.m. Wednesday night, five mushers had reached Ruby.

Iditarod also reported the first scratch of the year Wednesday night. Mark May, of North Pole, scratched at 9 p.m. in Tanana, due to concern for his race team, according to a press release.

As of Wednesday night, 70 teams remained on the trail. Ten teams were still in Tanana.