Winter Sports

Four-time champion Susan Butcher was seven minutes ahead of her closest challenger as leaders in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race head for today’s finish at Nome, Alaska. Butcher left Koyuk, an Eskimo village 992 miles into the 1,163-mile race, shortly before Martin Buser of Big Lake, Alaska.

Rick Swenson, who like Butcher is seeking a record fifth victory, left Koyuk 17 minutes behind the leader. Tim Osmar, son of 1984 Iditarod champion Dean Osmar, was fourth. Officials estimated the winner will cross the finish line in Nome early today.