Duluthian Gunnar Johnson was racing in the Iditarod in Alaska when he was yanked from the race due to testing positive for COVID.
The Pioneer Press is reporting that Gunnar Johnson, of Duluth, had to withdraw at the McGrath, Alaska, checkpoint, because of a positive COVID test. Friends of Gunner were reporting on his Facebook page that he was doing well, and after he was withdrawn, he made a comment that his dogs looked good and he was feeling optimistic. He had to send a backup in his place to finish the race.
The Pioneer Press said Iditarod Race Marshal Mark Nordman, working with epidemiologist Dr. Jodie Guest, said he was asymptomatic and according to the COVID-19 protocol set in place by the race officials, Johnson had to be removed from the race.