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Swingley Claims Second

Gebhardt, Jonrowe and Baker Enroute from Safety

by Andy Moderow

03/15/2006

Around 4 AM, after running a very competitive race, Doug Swingley arrived in Nome today to claim second place in Iditarod XXXIV. Dozens of spectators were on hand despite it being so early in the morning. Among the spectators was recently crowned champion Jeff King: When the two spoke, in playful tones, Doug asked Jeff if he had a cup of coffee. After Jeff responded “Yup”, Doug inquired; “Where’s Mine?” The two then laughed about the interchange, both showing the relief that came with arriving in Nome. Next, Swingley knelt down next to his leaders, praising them for the job well done while the media took advantage of the great photo opportunity. Shortly thereafter, with the help of friends and family, Doug parked his team in the dog yard, bedding them down for a well deserved rest.

With Paul Gebhardt due in shortly after 5 AM, DeeDee Jonrowe around 6:30 AM, and John Baker an hour after that, the steady trickle of teams arriving in Nome has begun. Diehard race fans aren’t getting much sleep in Nome tonight!