Atlanta KCOB, Norm Hoyes, provided timely reports online so we could follow the progress of the Amazing Jamaican Dogsledder, Newton Marshall.
Below is Norm's final report on the race including a link to his online reports.
Challenge of the North Award Goes to Jamaican Musher
Jamaican Sled Dog Musher, Newton Marshall, was awarded the Challenge of the North award for best exemplifying the spirit of the Yukon Quest at the Yukon Sled Dog Race closing banquet on Saturday, Feb 28, 2009. Observers say Newton was beaming and at a loss for words while accepting a polished caribou antler trophy.
Newton, a 25-y/o rookie sled dog driver participated in this year's 1,000 mile Yukon Sled Dog race along with 28 other mushers (as the drivers are called). He crossed the finish line in Fairbanks, Alaska on Thursday Feb, 26th in 13th place, ahead of 16 other competitors. Newton's elapsed time for the race was 11 days 19 hrs 2 mins.
A native and resident of Jamaica, Newton completed the arduous 1,000 mile course with a hugh smile on his face in response to cheers of Quest fans. (see photos below).
Yukon Quest's race marshal, Doug Grilliot, as surprised and as impressed as anyone with Newton's performance presented Newton The Challenge of the North Award. Here's what Doug said:
“This year’s Challenge of the North Award is going to a musher that the race judges believe showed perseverance, class and grace under pressure. Throughout the race his smile and cheerful attitude never faltered. When he first signed up for the Quest this year, I’ll be the first to admit that when I saw his entry I didn’t think it was much more than a publicity stunt...and over the last thousand miles though we’ve come to respect and admire his attitude, perseverance and the way he took car of his dogs. So the 2009 Challenge of the North Award goes to one very Southern Musher…So Newton Marshall, come on up.”
To loud cheers and sustained applause of support and congratulation, an ever smiling, nearly speechless, very surprised Newton, joyfully and humbly accepted his award with these words: “Thank you…I’m a nervous wreck. I don’t know what to say about this. I was quite surprised. Thank You, Thank You.”
WOW!
Next stop the Iditarod?
ell, perhaps next year. I checked the participation list for the 2009 Iditarod which starts in a couple of weeks and didn't see Newton's name among the list of registrants. Maybe next year. Yeah, maybe next year.
