Lance Mackey, a four-time Yukon Quest champion, arrived at the Whitehorse finish line in third place at 10:39 this morning.

Mackey and his team were still full of energy, which the veteran musher attributed to enjoying the last stretch of the race.

"I said from the start of the race I wanted to get a healthy and happy team to the finish line, and that's what I was able to do,” he said.

Mackey, who was running a young team, said this year's strong field of contenders had all of the teams racing at their best.

"It was kind of hard with a team that didn't know how to go full throttle but now they know what it's all about,” he said. "Now I've got a bunch of veterans that will come back next year and be hard to beat.”

Mackey spoke proudly of Quest winner Hugh Neff and praised his maturation on the trail.

"He's worked his ass off for years to be able to enjoy the feeling he got today. I know he's worked hard and I know the obstacles he's overcome; he's a brother to me,” Mackey said. "I'm proud as hell of him.”

Mackey also expressed his appreciation of the Quest and said he will be back to compete next year.

"I love this race,” he said. "The people that are involved are the friendliest in the world.

"I get to Whitehorse and it feels like I'm coming home.”