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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Mackey Defends Iditarod Crown

'They're the best dogs, hands-down,' winner says of Alaskan canine team

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(Newser) – Lance Mackey won his second consecutive Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race today, crossing the finish line in Nome, Alaska, after 1,100 miles over 9½ days, the AP reports—despite unseasonably warm weather and occasionally quarrelsome dogs. "I don't know exactly how to explain it," said Mackey, a 37-year-old throat-cancer survivor. "I'm just blessed with an incredible dog team."

"You're a hero, and truly an inspiration to all of us," Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told the Fairbanks native, who finished about 80 minutes ahead of the runner-up. During the race—which commemorates the 1925 delivery by dog sled of a diphtheria serum to Nome—Mackey was forced to drop his original lead dog, who was injured in a fight with a rival.

Lance Mackey has won his second straight Iditarod. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Lance Mackey has won his second straight Iditarod. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)   (Associated Press)
Lance Mackey talks with reporters at the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome, Alaska early Wednesday March 12, 2008. Mackey won his second consecutive Iditarod, completing the 1,100-mile journey across Alaska in just under nine and a half days.(AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Lance Mackey talks with reporters at the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome, Alaska early Wednesday March 12, 2008. Mackey won his second consecutive Iditarod, completing the 1,100-mile...   (Associated Press)
Lance Mackey sits with two of his dogs, Larry, left, and Handsome after winning the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome, Alaska early Wednesday March 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Lance Mackey sits with two of his dogs, Larry, left, and Handsome after winning the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome, Alaska early Wednesday March 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)   (Associated Press)
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