First into Pelly
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Eric Engman/News-Miner Defending champion Lance Mackey, center, of Kasilof smiles after being the first to arrive at the Pelly Crossing checkpoint during the 2006 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race on Sunday, Feb. 19. Race marshall Mike McGowan, left, checked Mackey's sled bag for mandatory gear. Mushers will turn around in Pelly and return to Dawson City for the finish. Poor trail conditions south of Pelly has forced race organizers to move the finish from Whitehorse. A mandatory 8 hour rest for all racers on their return trip, will be at the Scroggie Creek camp on the Stewart River, 100 miles from the finish.