John George of Akiachak is the winner of the Season Opener dog mushing race. George won with a time of 2:16:16. In second place was Mike Williams Jr. of Akiak. His time was 2:17:19. Placing third was Fr. Alexander Larson of Napaskiak, finishing in 2:17:43.
The Season Opener to start the dog mushing races this winter for Bethel and the surrounding areas was held Saturday, December 15th, 2018. A total of seventeen teams signed up for this event.
The race started on the Charles Family Lake. The Charles Family has graciously given permission to use for the race by Chris Charles. The event began at 11 am, with mushers heading out towards the tundra villages, to Atmautluak, and then back to Bethel, for a total of 32.5 miles.
Mushers met for a meeting on the lake at 10:45 am. Everyone was reminded to dress warmly. The temps were in the negative teens and with the windchill were in the negative high 20s.
The $20,000 purse was paid up to 15 positions.
“It was a cold but beautiful day to race,” wrote the K300 Committee. “Thanks everyone for coming out and we will see you for the Holiday Classic next Saturday.”
Season Opener Results
1st John George, 2:16:16, $2,700
2nd Mike Williams Jr, 2:17:19, $2,450
3rd Fr. Alexander Larson, 2:17:43, $2,250
4th Greg Larson, 2:19:45, $2,050
5th Pete Kaiser, 2:22:04, $1,850
6th Robert Larson, 2:26:10, $1,700
7th George Manutoli, 2:27:06, $1,450
8th John Simon, 2:27:12, $1,250
9th Lewis Pavila, 2:32:36, $1,050
10th Niklas Wikstrand, 2:33:25, $900
11th Joe Demantle, 2:35:25, $750
12th Tory Fitzpatrick, 2:40:37, $600
13th Ryan Jackson, 2:43:34, $450
14th Solomon Olick, 2:48:35, $300
15th Victoria Hardwick, 2:53:25, $200
16th Nate DeHaan, 2:55:00
17th Abby Klager, 2:56:04
Next coming up is the Holiday Classic which is scheduled for Saturday, December 22nd. Start time will be 11 am, 8 dog limit, location to be announced.
Mushers wanting to pay for their mile ahead of time can call Race Manager Maddy Reichard, 545-3300.
