Manutoli wins 2018 Akiak Dash

photo by Greg Lincoln

George Manutoli of Akiachak is this year’s winner of the 2018 Akiak Dash. The approximately 60 mile race was held last Saturday, January 27th, 2018 with the starting and finishing line at the Charles Family Lake near Tundra Ridge – the same location for the start and finish for this year’s Kuskokwim 300 and Bogus Creek 150 races.
This is Manutoli’s third time running the Akiak Dash. His previous best finish was in 2003 when he placed 2nd. His other race was in 2015 where he finished 7th. Back in 1998 Manutoli also raced the Bogus Creek 150 and won. He was named the Rookie of the Year and also the champion with a total elapsed time of 16:47:32.
Running a team from the Simon Family Kennels, Manutoli finished the course in 6 hours, 42 minutes. Coming in second place was Jason Larson with a time of 6 hrs. 59 mins.
Saturday was clear and cold, windy with temperatures dipping to -2˚F and winds up to 23 mph. Trail conditions had not changed from the previous week. Race fans were at the lake to welcome the new champion who mushed home with 7 dogs.
The purse for this race was $20,000 and was paid out to 15 places, which means the three extra places were divided among the finishers for an additional $125 each.
The Red Lantern Award went to Joe Miller who finished in 9 hrs. 18 minutes.
2018 Akiak Dash Results:
1st George Manutoli 6:42; $3,825
2nd Jason Larson 6:59; $2,825
3rd Gilbert Phillip 7:03; $2,225
4th Jason Pavila 7:16; $1,625
5th Ryan Jackson 7:17; $1,525
6th Schouviller Wassilie 7:20; $1,425
7th Jackie Larson 7:30; $1,325
8th Anthony Olick 7:35; $1,225
9th Jim George 8:01; $1,125
10th Joe Demantle 8:09; $1,025
11th William Voinot Baron 8:17; $925
12th Joe Miller 9:18; $825