Iditarod 2011: John Baker Sets Record-Breaking Time in Win

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Iditarod 2011 Won By First-Time Victor John Baker, Who Breaks Record in Process

The 2011 Iditarod has now reached its end after over a week of action. After four-time champ Lance Mackey fell behind and out of the top ten, the field opened up for a new champion to make his mark.

John Baker did just that. Not only was he the first Alaskan to win the Iditarod since 1976, but the 48-year old's time of eight days, 19 hours and 46 minutes is a course record. The record was held, coincidentally enough, by Mackey, who was the first to clear the course in under nine days last year.

Unlike others who tried to get to the front early on, Baker conserved the strength of his dogs, and was in fourth place at the halfway point. Once they hit the Yukon River, Baker made his move, gaining the lead for the rest of the race.

Once they made it near Nome, it looked like Ramey Smyth, known in mushing Iditarod circles as a great finisher, would catch up and take over, but Baker held on to get the record-breaking win.

Congrats to him, and to me it's great to see a native Alaskan grab the title of Iditarod champion; it just makes it feel more pure. Either way, it's a testament to the endurance of these people. I know I couldn't go through the snow of Alaska for over a week.

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