Two ND Natives Racing in Iditarod

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Two mushers native to North Dakota are racing in the 42nd Iditarod dog sled race in Alaska.

Kelly Maixner was raised in Golva, and Ellen Halverson is formerly of the Thompson area. Both now live in Alaska.

The 1,000-mile race from Anchorage to Nome got underway Sunday. Maixner was in 23rd place early Tuesday, after leading for a time Monday, and Halverson was 67th out of 68 remaining mushers.

It's the fourth Iditarod for Maixner and the fifth for Halverson. Maixner's best finish is 30th and Halverson's best is 47th. She has twice been given the Red Lantern Award, which goes to the last musher to successfully finish the race.