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Selawik - Who will win the Kobuk 440? |
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Written by Lori Henry
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Saturday, 07 April 2007 |
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Paul Gebhardt into Ambler (inbound)
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The run from Ambler to Selawik was in whiteout conditions and light snow fall. The trail was riddled with patches of tundra. The snow was punchy from the warm temperatures and tore up from recent snowmachine traffic. But that didn't slow down Martin Buser, who arrived at 2:42pm and did the 90 mile run in about 9 hours.
Upon his arrival into Selawik he was surrounded with spectators and many followed him into the checkpoint building where a banquet had been prepared. While Buser was the main attraction, it was also an opportunity for the community to recognize Johnnie Norton, a long-time volunteer from Selawik who passed away recently. Much of the food was prepared lovingly in Norton's honor specifically for the mushers. He would have been proud of how the community pulled together and prepared a feast.
Photos hot off the trail
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Martin Buser into Selawik
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Selawik is the checkpoint where race enthusiasts begin to make their predictions about who will win the race. While Buser has a lead of nearly 2 hours on Gebhardt who arrived at 4:24pm, people suggest that there are still about 100 miles left and anything can happen. Iten is about 2 and 1/2 hours behind the leader and Mackey is over 3 hours behind. Rest times are a factor as in any race and the Kobuk 440 requires a 20 hour layover total for the entire race. The top 4 teams most likely will all take a 5 hour rest in Selawik which would give each a total of 20 hours.
Those who have a history of watching the race also say that Ed Iten is famous for making his move from Selawik. Iten and Mackey are both past winners of the Kobuk 440 - seven times for Iten and once for Mackey. Buser and Gebhardt were both rookies of the race last year.
Noorvik is approximately 40 miles along the trail locals refer to as Singnarook which is the name of the creek located between the two villages.
Complete race results are now posted on the Kobuk 440 official web site click here
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 08 April 2007 )
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Tracey
