4-time champion moves to front in Iditarod; others resting

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A veteran musher has taken the lead in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Four-time champion Jeff King of Denali Park surged out of the checkpoint at the former town of Cripple early Thursday after a four-hour rest. It is the fifth day of the 1,000-mile race to Nome.

Four other mushers also have reached the checkpoint and may be taking their mandatory 24-hour rests. King has not taken that layover yet.

Reigning champ Dallas Seavey arrived just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Noah Burmeister followed at just before 7 p.m., and Norway's Robert Sorlie at just before 8 p.m.

John Baker, Kelly Maixner and Ralph Johannessen also reached Cripple.

The winner is expected to reach the finish line nine days after the start of the race.