Willow musher finishes 2nd in 39th Iditarod

MAT-SU — Willow musher Ramey Smyth turned in his personal best performance on the Iditarod Trail this morning, finishing in second place.

“We are incredibly proud of Ramey’s race and it was by efforts that it was made such an exciting race,” said his stepmother, Kathleen Smyth.

Most watchers of this year’s race would agree with her assessment — winner John Baker of Kotzebue had to push extra hard to keep ahead of Smyth, who is known for driving hard to the finish line.

Smyth crossed the finish line just over an hour behind Baker. Smyth arrived at 10:50 a.m., Baker at 9:46 a.m., according to official standings on the race’s website. Smyth has been a perennial contender, finishing in the top ten on numerous occasions.

“Second is the highest he’s come in. He’s come in third before. And Fourth. And probably fifth,” his stepmother said. “We’re just very, very proud of him and we think he did an excellent job.”

And as if finishing the race at the top of the pack weren’t sweet enough, Kathleen Smyth said, today is her stepson’s birthday.