Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to the 2010 census, it has a population of 401, making it the largest checkpoint in the Interior. McGrath is also notable for being the first site in Alaska to receive mail by aircraft (in 1924), heralding the end of the sled dog era. It still has a good airfield, so journalists are common. Following McGrath is Takotna, formerly a commercial hub during the gold rush. The ghost town of Ophir, named for the reputed source of King Solomon's gold by religious prospectors, is the next checkpoint. By this stage in the race, the front-runners may be several days ahead
2010 Iditarod 2010 Iditarod The 38th Annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race saw 71 participating teams from the United States, Jamaica, Canada and United Kingdom. The ceremonial start was held in Anchorage on March 6. The official restart was held one day later in Willow. On March 16, 2:59 pm, Lance Mackey arrived at the burled arch in Nome, taking the championship with a time of 8 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes and 9 seconds. He became the first musher to achieve four consecutive Iditarod victories, and the second musher to complete the trail under 9 days. Hans Gatt arrived at 4:04