Past champion first to reach McGrath

A former champ was the first to reach McGrath and a fan favorite was forced out of the 2021 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Dallas Seavey, a winner of multiple Iditarod titles, was the first to reach McGrath, hitting the checkpoint Tuesday at 4 p.m. with 14 dogs in harness.

Aliy Zirkle, a three-time runner-up, was forced to scratch Monday night. after suffering an injury en route to the Rohn checkpoint. Iditarod Race Marshal Mark Nordman, based on information provided by a volunteer with medical training, notified the Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center for assistance. The Alaska RCC arrived at the checkpoint at 12:14 a.m. Tuesday and transported Zirkle safely to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage for further evaluation, according to Iditarod officials.

Zirkle is in stable but guarded condition after sustaining a significant impact that resulted in a concussion and orthopedic injuries to her upper torso. Zirkle has been released from the hospital and is resting in Anchorage with family and plans to return home when they are able.

Zirkle had 14 dogs in harness when she arrived in Rohn. Her race team is uninjured and being well cared for by volunteers at the Rohn checkpoint where they will wait for the first flight out to be flown to Anchorage and driven back home.

Seavey earned the Alaska Air Transit Spirit of Iditarod Award as the first musher to reach McGrath. Seavey was presented with the handmade prizes created by McGrath residents. Seavey received a pair of musher mittens made of beaver fur and moose hide handmade by Loretta Maillelle of McGrath. Originally from Anvik on the lower Yukon, Maillelle often shares her skin sewing and beading talents - as well as her delicious cooking - with the community. In addition, Seavey also received a musher hat made from beaver fur and beaded velvet made by Lucy Egrass of McGrath.

As of late Tuesday night, three mushers — Brent Sass, Ryan Redington and Aaron Burmeister — had left McGrath. Seavey was among 16 mushers still in McGrath as of just before midnight Tuesday.

Contact the Frontiersman at sports@frontiersman.com.