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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, May 6, 2010

Iditarod: 2 mushers test positive for drugs


RACHEL D'ORO
Associated Press Writer

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Two mushers in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race have tested positive for THC, the pyschoactive compound in marijuana.

But race officials say a new rule calling for drug testing isn't clear enough to allow them to impose sanctions.

Iditarod Trail Committee Executive Director Stan Hooley says the rule enforced in this year's race specifically deals with banned drug use during the 1,100-mile race.

Hooley notes that since marijuana stays in the system about a month, officials couldn't prove the mushers used pot during the race.

He says the policy will be refined for future races. The names of the two mushers weren't released, but they were among the last 15 competitors to reach the finish in Nome.