Four-time Iditarod winner Doug Swingley has scratched:
MUSHER Doug Swingley, (Bib #28) made the decision to scratch at 12:36 this afternoon (March 05, 2006) at Rainey Pass Checkpoint on Puntilla Lake in the Alaska Range. The four time Iditarod Champion from Lincoln Montana scratched due to injuries he incurred between Finger Lake and Rainey Pass. According to officials at the checkpoint Swingley may have suffered broken ribs. They said he also dislocated one of his thumbs. After careful consideration, Swingley said his greatest concern was whether he would be physically able to care for his team for the duration of the race.
No additional details are available but I’ll post them as soon as they are forthcoming.
At the end of the first day of racing the leaders are:
| 1 | Cim Smyth |
| 2 | Lance Mackey |
| 3 | Aliy Zirkle |
| 4 | Tim Osmar |
| 5 | Ramey Smyth |
| 6 | Martin Buser |
| 7 | Zack Steer |
| 8 | Ramy Brooks |
| 9 | Paul Brooks |
| 10 | Mitch Seavey |
