Nome, Alaska – Sunday, March 11, 2012 – Iditarod Veteran Jake Berkowitz (Bib #29) has been withdrawn from the 2012 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race by Race Marshal Mark Nordman.  Berkowitz severely injured his hand while using a knife between Kaltag and Unalakleet.  Nordman determined that the injury was severe enough to warrant the decision.

The decision was made at 16:00 AK Time. Berkowitz was in 6th position at the time and still had 14 dogs in his team. He will be flown out of Unalakleet to Anchorage for treatment.