Raymond Alexie of Kwethluk is off to a blazing start for the 2022-23 Kuskokwim racing season. During the Jan. 7 Holiday Classic, a 50 mile race, Alexie once again bested the closest finisher by over 15 minutes.
Nineteen teams competed in the Holiday Classic, racing from Bethel to a turnaround 25 miles up the Gweek River and then back to Bethel. It was a perfect day for mushing, with temperatures in the single digits, little wind, and bright blue skies.
Alexie completed the 50 mile course in 3 hours and 28 minutes. He was followed by Iditarod and K300 veteran Mike Williams Jr. of Akiak, who finished with an elapsed time of 3 hours 46 minutes. Pete Kaiser of Bethel placed third soon afterwards with a time of 3 hours 50 minutes. Full results are posted here.
A second win gets Alexie off to a strong start in the Delta Championship Series, the K300 Race Committee's new season-long competition. He leads with 20 points, followed by Kaiser with 17, Jackie Larson with 15, and Williams Jr. with 12.
The Bogus Creek 150 starts Saturday, Jan. 14, at 3:00 p.m. Registration is ongoing and KYUK will post a preview on Jan. 12. As always, KYUK plans to livestream as much as possible; the K300 Race Committee will have trackers for this race. Follow along atwww.k300.org and www.facebook.com/kuskokwim300
