John Schandelmeier into Takotna during the 2020 Iditarod.

Rookie Iditarod musher John Schandelmeier (bib #42) of Paxson, Alaska, scratched at 7:50 a.m. today at the Unalakleet checkpoint.

Schandelmeier made the decision to scratch in the best interest of his race team. Schandelmeier had 13 dogs in harness at the time he made the decision to scratch.

On the trail in Nulato 2020.

Veteran Iditarod musher Meredith Mapes (bib #13) of Palmer, Alaska, scratched at 8:09 a.m. today at the Unalakleet checkpoint.

Mapes made the decision to scratch due to personal health reasons. Mapes had seven dogs in harness at the time she made the decision to scratch.