Greg Larson of Napaskiak took first place in the Holiday Classic Sled Dog Race on Jan. 11. Larson’s team ran the 50-mile race in 2 hours and 19 minutes. Mike Williams Jr. of Akiak came in second with a time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. John George of Akiachak finished a minute behind Williams Jr. with a time of 2 hours and 31 minutes.
The mushers raced for a purse totaling $27,500. The Holiday Classic is one of five local races that the Kuskokwim 300 Race Committee puts on each year. This year, poor trail conditions, below-zero temperatures, and dangerous wind chills postponed the race twice.
This coming weekend is the biggest racing weekend of the winter for Bethel. The Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race boasts a stellar roster this year, with four Iditarod champions, including Bethel’s Pete Kaiser, and three Yukon Quest champions competing. The race starts on January 17. The Akiak Dash and Bogus Creek 150 will also start that weekend.
RESULTS:
1. Greg Larson of Napaskiak at 2:19
2. Mike Williams Jr of Akiak at 2:30
3. John George of Akiachak at 2:31
4. Jason Pavila of Kwethluk at 2:32
5. Joe Demantle Jr of Tuluksak at 2:33
6. Fr. Alexander Larson of Napaskiak at 2:37
7. Maurice Andrew of Bethel at 2:41
8. Matt Scott of Bethel at 2:46
9. Jackie Larson of Napaskiak at 2:48
10. Herman Punkie Phillip of Kwethluk at 2:52
11. Isaac Underwood of Aniak at 3:00
12. Gilbert Phillip of Akiak at 3:08
13. Victoria Hardwick of Bethel at 3:09
14. Nathan Underwood of Aniak at 3:11
15. Ryan Jackson of Akiak at 3:12
16. Anthony Olick of Kwethluk at 3:13
17. Carl Andrew of Kwethluk at 3:13:05
18. Kurtis George of Akiachak at 3:19
19. Wassillie Isaac of Bethel at 3:29
Ray Alexie of Kwethluk scratched