ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A veteran musher has taken the lead in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Four-time champion Jeff King of Denali Park surged out of the checkpoint at the former town of Cripple early Thursday after a four-hour rest. It is the fifth day of the 1,000-mile race to Nome.

Four other mushers also have reached the checkpoint and may be taking their mandatory 24-hour rests. King has not taken that layover yet.

Reigning champ Dallas Seavey arrived just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Noah Burmeister followed at just before 7 p.m., and Norway's Robert Sorlie at just before 8 p.m.

John Baker, Kelly Maixner and Ralph Johannessen also reached Cripple.

The winner is expected to reach the finish line nine days after the start of the race.

 

More From 1460 ESPN