NOME, Alaska -- Dallas Seavey has won his third Iditarod in the last four years, beating his father to the finish line early Wednesday in Alaska.

Dallas Seavey came in under the city of Nome's burled arch finish line to wild applause from fans lining the street. An exhausted Seavey petted and hugged his dogs, later saying, "It takes a whole team to get us here."

He also won titles in 2012 and 2014. His father, Mitch Seavey, won the 1,000-mile (1,609-kilometre) Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 2013 and 2004.

He was confident before the race, telling The Associated Press he had the dog team that was capable of defending his title.

Aaron Burmeister was running in third place, while Jessie Royer and Aliy Zirkle were battling for fourth.