by Delta Discovery Staff
Greg Larson of Napaskiak drove his 8-dog team to victory this Saturday, winning first place by 8 seconds over Akiak musher Mike Williams Jr. Larson, driving his Larson Kennel Team, finished with an elapsed time of 5 hours 10 mins and 34 seconds.
Williams was in the front coming out of the Gweek and reports on the trail said he had a substantial lead. Larson steadily gained on Williams and passed him in Straight Slough. Both mushers were kicking hard and for a while their teams were running side by side. It was a clean smooth pass.
Race fans at the finish were cheering on the two mushers. It was an exciting finish.
“I haven’t raced that hard in a long time,” said race champion Larson at the finish line. The two friends snacked their dogs and posed for photos after the race.
“It was the closest finish and a fitting end to the K300 season,” wrote the Kuskokwim 300 Race Committee and race organizers.
Coming in third was Jim George of Akiachak/Kwethluk racing his Tag Along Kennel team. His time was 5 hours 22 minutes. In fourth was Robert Charles Jr. of Akiachak racing his Snyder Kennel team, his elapsed time was 5 hours 28 mins.
Racers began at 11am with a mass start that ended up with everyone leaving in single file due to all the deep snow. Earlier 50 mile races had faster finishing times due to better trail conditions. Temps were in the high teens and no precipitation.
Twyla Elhardt of Bethel finished with a total time of 7 hours and 3 minutes for the Red Lantern Award. A total of eleven mushers completed the race.
Season Finale 50 Mile Sled Dog Race Results
March 20, 2021
