Alaska Desk

Justin Olnes’ team isn't leading the pack this year, but the musher says he’s on a mission to showcase all the talent and potential that was previously hidden away in Alaska’s shelters.

Mushers at the Galena checkpoint are visibly weary, but looking forward to pushing through to Nome on harder snowpack.

Many mushers opted to take their required 24-hour stop at the checkpoint and said they’re hoping for thicker snow coverage ahead.

A last-minute plan to change the route went off without a hitch despite significant changes to the original trail.