Husky News

Jodi Bailey led a field of 31 finishers in the annual Gin-Gin 200 Sled Dog Race held last weekend.

The 200-mile race from Paxson to Maclaren Lodge and back was the first major mid-distance race of the season and was the first qualifier for the Yukon Quest and Iditarod Trail sled dog races.

Bailey completed the course in 33 hours and 24 minutes to finish 20 minutes ahead of Iditarod and Quest champion Lance Mackey, who clocked in at 33:44.

Zoya DeNure took the third spot with a run of 33:46. Judy Currier placed fourth overall in 34:50 and Molly Yazwinski rounded out the top five finishers with a run of 35:48.

The top finishers shared a purse of $7,500.

Mike Bennett won the sportsmanship award. After leaving Maclaren Lodge, Bennett discovered a loose dog on the trail, put the dog in his basket and returned to the lodge. He lost valuable time with his actions, but got the dog back to its owner.

Bailey earned the Woman of the Gin Gin Award, which goes to the musher showing the “Spirit of Gin Gin,” a dog who was an inspiration on the trail and in the dog yard for more than 10 years.

The Vet’s Choice Award, given to the musher who takes the best care of their dogs, went to DeNure.

The Red Lantern awards went to Carol Blevins for the women and Dale Curry for the men.

For more information on the race go to www.dogsleddenali.com.

Source: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner