Ryan Redington wasn't a gracious host on the first day of the two-day Alaska Excursions 120 in Big Lake on Saturday.
Ryan and his wife Erin organized the newest event on the mushing schedule.
He led the way Saturday, finishing the 46-mile course in 3 hours, 44 minutes, 13 seconds.
"I didn't expect to do this well, but the dogs are on the home trail and they always pour it on going home," said Redington. "It was a good fun race and the dogs were great today."
Three mushers lurk close behind Redington, including his brother Ray. Paul Gebhardt (3:46:00), Ray Redington Jr. (3:48:30) and Cim Smyth (3:48:57.00) are all within four minutes of the lead. Dean Osmar (3:56:35) and Martin Buser (4:04:14) are also in position to compete for victory when the race finishes with a second 46-mile, out-and-back journey today.
The top five mushers split a $4,000 purse.
Alaska Excursions 120
46-mile trail
1) Ryan Redington 3:44:13; 2) Paul Gebhardt 3:46:00; 3) Ray Redington Jr. 3:48:30; 4) Cim Smyth 3:48:57; 5) Dean Osmar 3:56:35; 6) Martin Buser 4:04:15; 7) Shaynee Seipke 4:05:16; 8) Raymie Redington 4:08:55; 9) Jason Mackey 4:10:08; 10) Kristy Berington 4:14:09; 11) Bruce Linton 4:17:58; 12) Debbie Moderow 4:20:42; 14) Sean Williams 4:26:01; 15) Magnus Kaltenborn 4:26:01; 16) Jeremy Thompson 4:30:53; 17) Karin Hendrickson 4:31:20; 18) Brenden Norden 4:31:22; 19) Becca Moore 4:34:33; 20) Jeff Deeter 4:35:35; 21) Brendon Johnson 4:38:45; 22) Meredith Mapes 4:39:53; 23) Marissa Osmar 4:41:16; 24) Will Faulkner 4:41:32; 25) Varan Hoyt 4:46:25; 26) Jane Baldwin 4:47:31; 27) Kim Trickett 4:47:37; 28) Rick Mackey 4:48:45; 29) Richard Hum 4:51:16; 30) Jane Faulkner 4:54:32; 31) Jeff Katison 4:56:07; 32) Art Church 4:59:49; 33) Alan Miller 5:00:33; 34) Christin Roalofs 5:05:56; 35) Caleb Hathaway 5:07:40; 36) Kathy Frederick 5:09:06; 37) Tim Osmar 5:11:57; 38) Perry Solmonson 5:18:49; 39) Jan Steves 5:31:10; 40) Pam Aviza 6:23:24; 41) Isla Schwarzburg DQ, took wrong trail.
Anchorage Daily News
sports@adn.com