Photos: Top 3 Iditarod mushers arrive in Nome

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Joar Leifseth Ulsom sits for a photo with his lead dogs Russeren, left, and Olive after he won the Iditarod early Wednesday morning, March 14, 2018 in Nome. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Joar Leifseth Ulsom, a Norwegian who has been a top contender since his rookie run in 2013, claimed the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race championship early Wednesday.

Driving a team of eight perky dogs, Leifseth Ulsom, 31, crossed the finish line in Nome at 3 a.m. Spectators lined Front Street in 4-degree cold to cheer the new champion.

Read more: Joar Leifseth Ulsom of Norway wins the 2018 Iditarod