Travis Beals Rounds out the Top Five in Iditarod XLVII

Travis Beals of Willow, Alaska has finished his sixth Iditarod in the same number of starts. His best finish came in 2018 when he claimed 9th place with a time of 10 days and 46 minutes.  In tough windy conditions, Beals had a great run from White Mountain to Safety.  Out of White Mountain he passed Matt Hall to take over 5th position.  He covered the 55 miles in 8 hours and 22 minutes, an hour faster than 4th place Aliy Zirkle.  Travis made the run from Safety to Nome in 3 hours and 45 minutes. So far, Joar has the fastest time from Safety to Nome with 3 hours and 6 minutes.

While both Zirkle and Beals were closing in on Nome, volunteers deemed the wind to have settled down enough to raise the Finish Banner at the Burled Arch, a good sign.  The wind is from the east but to off set the drifting and blowing snow from Safety into Nome, the mushers are “wind aided.”

Beals Interviews at the Burled Arch

During summers, Travis over sees all dog care on the Goodwin Glacier.  In the winter he focuses on training dogs for Iditarod.  It’s worth asking if he’s got an eye on the Yukon Quest. With the athleticism that Travis displays, it would seem a good match. 

With an eye on breaking into the top five, Beals has worked hard in training himself and his team. This finish in 5th place is a dream come true for the “Turning Heads Kennel” musher.  Travis partners with Sarah Stokey in operating the kennel and tour business.  Beals commented in his Arch interview that turning the speed on out of White Mountain and passing Matt Hall to gain 5th place felt very good.