Norwegian musher leads Iditarod

The 2003 Iditarod is already four days old and Robert Sorlie has controlled the lead for most of the race.

The Norwegian musher left Galena early Thursday morning, more than three hours ahead of second-place Martin Buser. The second-year musher is said to be gambling early as he is taking minimal rest on the trail.

The Hurdal, Norway native was named the 2002 rookie of the year after finishing ninth in the 30th Iditarod.

As of Thursday morning, four mushers have passed through Galena. Sorlie, Buser, John Baker and Rick Swenson each took off for Nualto during the twilight hours of Thursday morning.

The top four mushers have already traveled 380 miles from Fairbanks, but have over 800 miles to go.

From Galena, mushers will travel through Nualto and to Kaltag. From Kaltag, participants will head south to Eagle Island.

Mushers are expected to start arriving in Nome some time next week.

For more Idita-information, see www.iditarod.com.