Covenant News

Ellie Claus Finishes 45th in First Iditarod Run

NOME, AK (March 19, 2004) - Ellie Claus, whose family is affiliated with First Evangelical Covenant Church in Anchorage, Alaska, placed 45th overall at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, finishing at 5:24 a.m. (AST) on Friday at the Evangelical Covenant Church of Nome.

Claus, whose grandmother Eleanor had previously served on the Evangelical Covenant Church Executive Board, was the youngest person to ever compete in the Iditarod, at 18 years and two days. One must be at least 18 years of age to race in the internationally known 1,100-mile event, which is run all across Alaska. Her effort took 11 days, 19 hours, 24 minutes and 30 seconds to complete. She finished the race with 11 dogs in tow.

A total of 87 started the race, which was won by Alaska's Mitch Seavey in 9 days, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 22 seconds. Ten racers had already left the course before finishing. Claus was eighth among those competing in the Iditarod for the first time.

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