Though the Finish Line for the Norton Sound 450 is 250 miles North of Team Kaiser’s home court, the excitement built to a fever pitch Friday night. I arrived to interview Jen, but found the Kaiser dinner table in a fever pitch due to Pete’s Tracker not moving. It was a nervous time as the unknown crept into everyone’s fears. Then a quick call to Unalakleet and the news came– The front runner had just entered town– It was Pete and the Team! Wahoo!! The mood quickly changed and then Laureli Kineen called to confirm. Pete was going to be first across the line. Then the next challenge- Would it be enough to keep Martin Buser in second.
Pete needed to have at least 4 minutes over Martin for the win. As we listened to the garbled phone in the bathroom we wondered. Coming down the trail was Martin. The clock was ticking literally as we listened to Laureli talk through his crossing of the line. Pete still hadn’t won at this point. Tick Tock and then it came– Martin Buser’s elapsed time was more than Pete and the Team. Officially Team Kaiser had won the race and cheers could be heard from the dining room across the house.
It was truly a fun night win or lose. Everyone gathered to cheer and be together to celebrate the finish.
Here are the photos from tonight’s Kaiser Finish Bethel style!
