For the fourth time since 2004, a Seavey crossed the finish line first in the great Alaskan dogsled race. 26-year-old Dallas Seavey crossed the finish line in Nome eight days, 13 hours, four minutes and 19 seconds after leaving the starting line in Willow.

Seavey’s record finish beat the previous record set by John Baker in 2011 by more than five hours. Baker held the previous record for finishing the Iditarod in eight days, eighteen hours, forty-six minutes and 39 seconds.

Seavey crossed the finish line with just seven of his original 16 dogs.

Up until near the last checkpoint in Safety, the race was close, with Jeff King leading a full hour ahead of Aily Zirkle, and Seavey miles behind. But stormy weather along the last leg of the 1,000 mile trail blew the leader from the trail into drifftwood just before midnight. King was successful in untangling his dog-team, but alas, the canines were finished. King sat with his team for over two hours before hitching a ride into safety via snow machine.

Meanwhile, Zirkle passed King to take the lead into Safety, and was in position to be the first woman to win the race in 24 years. But, the stormy weather and high winds prompted Zirkle, who had frostbite on her hands, to hole up for a couple of hours at the last checkpoint before continuing on to the finish line.

Seavey muscled through, breezed past the checkpoint, staying only three minutes, and sped away to Nome, unaware that the former leaders were either behind him or had scratched from the race. The weary Seavey raced through and crossed the finish line with his lead dog “Beatle,” leading the way, totally unaware that he had won the race.

Seavey was met by an Iditarod Insider camera man who asked him how he did it. Seavey replied, “What’d I do?” It was then he found out that he had finished first and not third as he had believed. He had thought that the sledder coming up behind him was his father, Mitch Seavey, not Aily Zirkle, who he thought was ahead of him. Zirkle crossed the finish line a mere two minutes after Seavey, securing a third consecutive second place win.

This newest win is Dallas Seavey’s second in three years, unseating his father, Mitch Seavey, who was the defending champ. Mitch crossed the finish line three hours and thirty-five minutes later to take third place.

Governor Parnell passed on his congratulations to the winners on Tuesday. “Congratulations to Dallas Seavey for claiming his second Iditarod title in three years, and on posting the fastest finish in Iditarod history,” Governor Parnell said. “Alaskans are proud of Dallas’ unrelenting drive, the team’s endurance, and for carrying on his family’s long tradition with the last great race.

“I also want to congratulate Aliy Zirkle on being runner-up for an impressive third consecutive year.

“Mushers and their dogs have endured extraordinary challenges this year due to formidable trail conditions. I admire the bravery and determination of all the teams. We eagerly await their safe arrival in Nome.”

Alaska’s Senator Lisa Murkowski also congratulated Seavey for his come-from-behind victory. “I want to congratulate Dallas Seavey on a dramatic victory, but also a tremendous accomplishment – just hours before the finish line he was in third place but his drive and his incredible dogs just kept going. With his father, grandfather and brothers all accomplished mushers, it’s clear that the Seaveys and their ‘never say die’ competitive streak runs in the family. Alaskans will be talking about his win for years, as one for the ages of the Last Great Race. I also want to acknowledge the tremendous effort put forth by Aliy Zirkle in this 42^nd Iditarod, reminding people how tough Alaskan women are.

“Congratulations to Dallas and his team on this historic and hard fought win!”

Alaska’s lone representative, Don Young also sent along his congratulations to the two-time winner. “In all my years following the Iditarod, today’s finish is one for the history books,” said Congressman Don Young. “Like many Alaskans following the final stretch of the Last Great Race, I never would have imagined the spectacular finish that developed earlier this morning. I want to congratulate Dallas Seavey, his lead dogs Bettle and Reef, and the rest of his team on their determination and grit to overcome all odds to win the 42^nd running of the Iditarod; a true testament to Alaska’s competitive spirit. The Seavey family has certainly written their place in history; not only as the youngest and oldest winners but now as the fastest finisher in history.

“Of course, we cannot overlook all the fierce competitors on the trail this year, especially second place finisher Aliy Zirkle and Jeff King, who both set a pace only Mother Nature could match. I look forward to following all of our mushers still on their journey to Nome.