Mitch & Dallas have not been forced to do anything (Mitch even stated that Dallas would go on through Huslia), nor is there any sign that their strategies have changed from the start of the race. As Dallas stated the race doesn't really start until Kaltag. When you factor in run times, start differentials, mandatory rests, weather, & precedent the race looks rather different than this article indicates.

I am not surprised seeing it every single year from your average reporter (sensationalism and ignoring variables), unfortunately I have also been forced to expect it from veteran mushers as well. (Look at any year at this stage in the race).

Mitch, Dallas, & Nicolas have fairly close run times (all things considered) and all three are in very good position at this point in the race Joar is in a pretty good position with Marrs. Also Jessie Royer deserves some credit here. Check back with me in UNK and see how this article holds up.