By Dan Bross and Libby Casey
Fairbanks, AK – Defending champion Lance Mackey of Kasilof has passed the turn around in the out and back 400 mile course, that's serving as the second half of this year's race. Mackey rested for less than an hour at Pelly Crossing. At 10:32 Yukon time last night, Mackey headed out to run the 200 miles of hill country back toward this year's Dawson City finish line. Mackey's two closest pursuers are three-time Quest champ Hans Gatt, and longtime race veteran William Kleedehn.