Kobuk 440 rerouted after snow and extreme winds pause race Share on Facebook Print article The Kobuk 440 Sled Dog Race in Northwest Alaska resumed Monday after dangerous weather paused the race on Sunday and organizers rerouted the course. The conditions caused two veteran mushers, Jeff King of Denali and Nic Petit of Girdwood, to activate their distress signals. Both were withdrawn from the race. “This feels like the most difficult 440 that we’ve ever had, weather-wise,” said Paul Hansen, president of the race. The race was originally set to kick off Thursday in Kotzebue, but many mushers had difficulties reaching the town due to heavy winds, fog and frigid weather, Hansen said. The start was pushed to Friday.