NOME (Your Alaska Link) - The 51st Iditarod ends with Ryan Redington being the first to arrive in Nome. His victory marks the end of a 1000-mile trek across the last frontier.

"I’ve been telling people in my community since I've been this big that I was going to win the Iditarod one day," Redington said.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023, became that day. Redington first crossed under the burled arch on Front Street with six dogs in the harness, making him the champion of this last great race.

"I knew I was up front but I didn’t really think about winning until we got really close to here," Redington said. "I’ve been racing enough that I know anything can happen in a dog race, so I tried hard not to think about winning, I was just trying to get down the trail happy and fast."

Hailing from Knik, Redington is part of a dog-mushing dynasty that began with his grandfather.

Joe Redington, Sr. is considered the father of the Iditarod. Several other Redingtons have run this race, too. But Ryan is the first one to take it home.

Your Alaska Link met many people who have been rooting for him here in nome.

"I'm very excited. It's nice to have a native musher to win the race," Marie Katchatag of Unalakleet said.

"I think it's such a magical historical moment. I think back to his grandfather creating the race along with several others," Janet Tremer, a visitor from Pennsylvania, said.

"I'm thrilled. I'm so happy for him and his family," Julie Goodman, a visitor from Iowa, said. "They have tried for years to win it, have never won it. So with Ryan winning, it’s amazing.”

The top three finishers in this year’s race are all from Alaska. Pete Kaiser came in second place, Richie Diehl in third.

Visit https://iditarod.com/race/2023/standings/ for the standings.