Yukon Quest

Day 36 -- Yukon Quest

What an exciting, amazing experience it was to witness the start of this incredible race.

(Copied from the website www.yukonquest.com )

At the “top of the world”, in the Yukon and Alaska wilderness of northwestern North America, an epic winter sports event takes place every February, the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. Covering 1,000 miles between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska during the depths of the Arctic winter, the Yukon Quest is known for excellence in canine care and fostering the traditions of northern travel by dog sled.

The Yukon Quest has been run every year since 1984 over the 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of rough, sometimes hazardous terrain between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska. The Yukon Quest Race Start alternates annually between these two host cities.

This incredible winter sports event takes place every February when weather conditions can be the coldest and sometimes the most unpredictable of the year. The Yukon Quest race starts on schedule regardless of weather and lasts from 10 to 16 days until the final dog team arrives at the Finish Line, depending on weather and trail conditions.

A maximum of 50 mushers and their sled dog teams are allowed, and the purse is shared between the first 15 finishing teams, with all teams completing the race receiving $1,000 in recognition of the 1,000 mile trail. The Yukon Quest Champion will take home $35,000.

 Getting ready for the race.

Heading to the start line.

And they are off.......

Along the Trans Canada Trail.

Down by the Tahkini River.