Greg Larson is the 2020 Akiak Dash champion. The Napaskiak musher earned his third Akiak Dash title when his team cruised into Bethel at 7:25 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. He previously won in 2004 and 2016.
The 47-year-old outlasted a speedy Joe Demantle Jr. of Tuluksak to arrive with a lead of six minutes. Larson was happy with the trail he traveled on with his team to victory.
“Good race, very nice trail out there. A lot of good snow; it's beautiful out there. Nice weather and nice trail," said Larson. “It was just amazing.”
For his victory, Larson earns about $4,700.
Second place Joe Demantle Jr. finished in Bethel at 7:31 p.m. and praised his team at the chute.
“The dogs are great, I couldn’t ask for a better team right here. I wish I had more miles though," said Demantle.
Demantle wins $3,700 for his second place finish. Akiak musher Mike Williams Jr. arrived third at 8:01 p.m., followed by Aniak’s Isaac Underwood in fourth at 8:10 p.m. In fifth was Gilbert Phillip at 8:05 p.m. The 13 mushers will split a $30,000 purse.