John Baker's win in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog was more than just one man finally achieving his lifelong dream.It was also a victory for Alaska Natives.Hundreds of fans and traditional Eskimodrummers greeted the 48-year-old Eskimomusher as he crossed the finish line Tuesday morning in the world's longest sled dog race. The Kotzebue musher is the first Alaska Native musher to win the Iditarod since Jerry Riley did it in 1976,and he is the first Eskimo to win
since the 1,150-mile Anchorage to Nome race began in 1973.Baker shattered the race record,coming in three hours earlier than four-time champion Martin Buser did when he set the previous record in 2002.Baker completed this year's race in eight days,19 hours and 46 minutes.
since the 1,150-mile Anchorage to Nome race began in 1973.Baker shattered the race record,coming in three hours earlier than four-time champion Martin Buser did when he set the previous record in 2002.Baker completed this year's race in eight days,19 hours and 46 minutes.
