13 mushers are racing on the Kuskokwim River to Akiak and back this afternoon in subzero temperatures. The mass start began at 2:00 p.m. in Bethel on the river. The winner takes home $3,700 out of the grand total purse of $20,000. Last year’s Champion Greg Larson is not racing this year, but 2016 second place finisher Thomas Carl and third place finisher Katie Lamb return in pursuit of the title.
2017 Akiak Dash Field:
- Robert Larson, Napaskiak
- Jonathan Simon, Bethel
- Sean Larson, Napaskiak
- John George, Akiachak
- Nicholas Ayapan, Kwethluk
- John Hanson Jr., New Stuyahok
- Thomas P. Carl, Tooksook Bay/Akiak
- Cameron Jackson, Akiak
- Solomon Olick, Kwethluk
- Katie Lamb, Bethel
- Tory Fitzpatrick, Akiachak
- Cukayak Olick, Kwethluk
- Joe Demantle, Tuluksak