Rookie Iditarod musher, Brenda Mackey (bib #9), of Fairbanks, Alaska, scratched on March 5 at 4:35 p.m. at the Tanana checkpoint in the best interest of her team. The original press release stated that Mackey had 14 dogs in harness when she arrived in Tanana, all in good health.
As more information has come from the checkpoint since that time, it is now understood that Mackey had 13 dogs in harness and one dog, Jett, resting in her sled due to health concerns that emerged approximately three hours after departing Tanana. Upon recognizing the issue, Mackey did make an attempt to activate her SOS button on her tracker, but unfortunately did not activate it correctly. Mackey made the decision to return to the checkpoint where Jett was promptly examined by Trail Veterinarians and flown to Anchorage. We are happy to report that Jett is seemingly in good condition and appears to be healthy and in high spirits.
The ITC apologizes for the miscommunication and any angst we may have caused Brenda, her team and her followers.
