It's official, Lance Mackey is this year's Iditarod champion!! To most people "outside" this is an unknown name, but the story behind Lance's run is pretty darn cool.
First of all, Lance is this year's Yukon Quest winner which is probably the most comparable sled dog race to the Iditarod that draws big time names and money. The Yukon Quest took place only 2 or 3 weeks ago and running in both races is challenging but winning both is un-heard of. This will be the first time in the history of the races!
Secondly, and I think more amazing, Lance's is the third musher in his family to become an Iditarod champion. Both his father and half brother have won the race. In fact, father, Dick Mackey, won it in a "foot race" with only one second separating him and the second place winner Rick Swenson.
Finally, what really makes this cool is that both his father and brother won their races in their sixth attempt at the race AND wearing bib #13.
You know where this is going, right...?
Yes, this is Lance's sixth time in the Iditarod and he is wearing bib #13 this year! Feel those shivers go up your spin? Stories like this is what Alaska is all about
~ gina
~ gina
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