Covenant News

Claus Wins Jr. Iditarod Competition

LAKE LOUISE, AK (February 25, 2003) - Covenant teen Ellie Claus, 17, won the Jr. Iditarod dogsled race on Sunday with a time of 11 hours, 24 minutes, 44 seconds for 154 miles, beating Dallas Seavey (11:56.12) to win a $4,000 scholarship.

Claus, whose family has longtime connections with First Covenant Church in Anchorage, began mushing when she was nine because she wants to compete in the Iditarod when she turns 18. She was among 18 competitors finishing this year's race. As a result of winning, she will be a ceremonial starter for this weekend's Iditarod event that begins in Fairbanks.

Prior to last weekend, Claus finished eighth, fifth and eighth respectively in her other Jr. Iditarod races. In 2000, she was the Rookie of the Year and in 2002 she received both the sportsmanship and humanitarian awards. Next year, she will be the youngest person to run the Iditarod as she will begin the Iditarod 12 days following her 18th birthday.

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