Defending champion Lance Mackey of Fairbanks led the way to the village on the banks of the Takotna River, arriving at 1:57 a.m. Twenty-four minutes later, four-time champion Jeff King of Denali Park checked in at one of his favorite checkpoints, followed six minutes later by Norwegian speedster Kjetil Backen, who had the fastest time on the relatively flat and easy 18-mile stretch between McGrath and Takotna.

Typically, mushers use the run to gauge each others' speed. It's short enough there's no need for mushers to stop and rest.

Backen made the run in 2 hours, 29 minutes. Next best was King at 2:40.

But there in fifth place among the expected frontrunners was 67-year-old Jim Lanier of Chugiak. A retired pathologist, Lanier has raced the Iditarod for decades. His rookie run was back in 1979, when he finished more than an hour behind the famed Alaska artist, Jon Van Zyle. Back then, racers included such luminaries as former champs Emmitt Peters and Jerry Riley, Terry Adkins and Bud Smyth, whose two sons -- Ramey and Cim -- are racing this year.

But Lanier, unlike most athletes, seems to be improving with age. After a string of finishes in the 40s in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and into this decade, he managed a career-best 18th in 2004 and finished a respectable 27th last year.

Paul Gebhardt, twice an Iditarod runner-up, was also in Takotna. And Aaron Burmeister of Nenana checked in 47 minutes after Lanier.

Takotna is a village of about 50 residents known for its hospitality. This year, checkers Jan and Dick Newton became the 18th and latest inductees in the Daily News Iditarod Hall of Fame for their care and feeding of mushers over the years. Steaks and fresh-baked pies are ready for everyone, and if there is something special any dog driver wants cooked, Jan invariably whips it up if possible.

"They're wonderful people," King said. "They've always made me feel like I was special."