Many of the “rookies” have run the Quest, like Newton Marshall from the Jamaican Sled Dog Team. or are from mushing families, like Quinn Iten.

Actually there are the same number of rookies this year as last, but three more veterans. [I rarely clean out old spreadsheets.]

The economy and travel rules are affecting the races. Before two last minute $50k donations, the purse was going to be cut by $100k while the entry fee is now $4k, and Norway didn’t send a team this year after visa problems last year.