Dallas Seavey, quickest to pass through Nikolai checkpoint. David Poyzer/Iditarod - McGrath, Alaska 
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.
View Full Article