John Dixon earned his rookie belt buckle in Iditarod 2000. Fourteen years later he’s decided the time was right for him, for his family and for his dogs to run to Nome again. Dixon, born in Texas always dreamed of living in Alaska. Attending the University of Alaska – Fairbanks, Dixon realized his dream. With a degree in Wildlife Biology Dixon works on the slope as an operations supervisor for BP. John had exercised his option of sending a sled out on the trail.  He chose wisely in sending it to McGrath. With his first sled taking a beating along the trail from Rainy to Nicolai, he was happy to make McGrath and trade what was left of the first sled for the vastly improved model waiting here. Dixon said his team is doing well and expects to have a great run up to the Yukon River village of Ruby.

Newton Marshall is in the checkpoint and has declared his long rest. On the way through the rough Farewell Burn, Newton’s actions as a Good Samaritan may have saved Scott Janssen’s life. At first when he saw Scott lying on the ice, Marshall thought he was just relaxing. When he inquired, a soaking wet Janssen said he was lying there with a broken ankle and couldn’t make it back to his sled to send a call for help. Marshall recognized immediately that Janssen needed to get out of his wet boots and clothing, which was accomplished as quickly as possible. Insider personnel helped move Janssen to a safety cabin where he awaited rescue. Marshall is here from Jamaica running a combination of dogs from Kathleen Fredericks and Wade Marrs. This will be Newton’s 4th attempt at Nome. He earned his rookie belt buckle placing 47th in 2010.  Newton is enjoying his dog team and has appreciated the change in trail.  He likes how his dogs are looking.  Right now during their 24-hour rest they are making the most out of the sunshine, blankets and getting breakfast in bed.