Petter Jahnsen gave up at Kirkenes

More mushers than before have given up in the 500 km race and now also a few from the 1000 km are doing the same. Petter Jahnsen from Tufsingdal, that was considered a favourite, gave up in Kirkenes.

It's a tough year. Loose tracks and deep snow over long periods have been harder on the dogs than normal. This has caused a lot more sore muscles, ancles, shoulders and general stiffness - especially as some of the dogs are taken out at the check points making it harder for the remaining few.

This was also the reason for Jahnsen, who was eighth when he quitt in Kirkenes. He came in to the check point with 11 dogs and would have had to set out five more because of stiffness and too sore muscles. With that he wouldn't have had enough dogs to be allowed to continue in the race. Unfortunately there was no other way then to quit.