Mitch Seavey Becomes Oldest Iditarod Champ

"This is for all of the gentlemen of a certain age," he said after crossing the finish line in Nome, Alaska. Seavey wins $50,400 and a new 2013 Dodge Ram pickup truck for winning the 1,000-mile race in nine days, 7 hours and 39 minutes.

The Anchorage Daily News, Bill Roth / AP

Mitch Seavey became the oldest Iditarod champion, a two-time winner, when he drove his dog team under the burled arch in Nome on Tuesday. Here he sits with his two lead dogs, Tanner (left) and Taurus.

NOME, Alaska (AP) -- A 53-year-old former champion has won the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to become the oldest winner of Alaska's grueling test of endurance.

Mitch Seavey and 10 dogs crossed the Nome finish line to cheering crowds at 10:39 p.m. Alaska time Tuesday night.

Bill Roth / AP

Musher Mitch Seavey arrives at the Unalakleet, Alaska, checkpoint Sunday.

Bill Roth / AP

Mitch Seavey won the Wells Fargo Gold Coast Award, $2,500 worth of gold nuggets, for being the first musher to reach the Unalakleet.

Bill Roth / AP

Mitch Seavey puts booties on his dogs before leaving White Mountain in Alaska.

Bill Roth / AP

More boot putting-on.

Bill Roth / AP

Mitch Seavey begins the run from White Mountain to the race's finish in Nome, Alaska.