The 39th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has officially come to an end. Ellen Halverson made history as she crossed the finish line in last position. She is the first musher to get the Red Lantern award twice.
Halverson, of Wasilla, finished the race in 13 days, 19 hours, 45 minutes and 45 seconds with nine dogs on her team. She finished last in the race in 2007 as well.
The award banquet was held Sunday night.
Musher Aliy Zirkle was presented with the humanitarian award by the race’s chief veterinarian. Trent Herbst was awarded the most improved musher award. Herbst was the first musher to the race’s halfway point.
Nicolas Petit was the rookie of the year with his 28th-place finish.
Five-time race champion Rick Swenson was awarded the musher’s choice award, while four-time defending champ Lance Mackey received the award for the fastest time from Safety to Nome.
Paul Johnson won the Herbie Nayukpuk Memorial Award, which is given to the musher chosen by race officials to most epitomize the spirit of Hebie Nayukpuk, “The Shishmaref Cannonball,” who raced in eleven Iditarods.
