Yukon Quest
Sled Dog RaceS
From 1984 until 2020, the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race was an international, joint effort between the US and Canada held in February of each year. For better or worse, the boards of directors in Alaska and Yukon had a falling out and the international race as it once was is no more.
Each country has since launched their own events. To learn more, please visit:
Yukon Quest Alaska (YQA) ~ 80, 200, and 300 miles races
Yukon Quest Canada ~ 100, 250, and 450 mile races
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Each country has since launched their own events. To learn more, please visit:
Yukon Quest Alaska (YQA) ~ 80, 200, and 300 miles races
Yukon Quest Canada ~ 100, 250, and 450 mile races
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The following information appeared on our site prior to 2020 and pertains specifically to the International race held in 2020 and prior. It is no longer current. Interesting, but historical!
The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race is held in February of each year and covers the roughly 1,000 miles between Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, and Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. It is one of the only sled dog races to cross country borders, truly earning its "international" status. It is also known as one of the toughest sled dog races being run today, boasting an informal motto: "Survive First, Race Second."
Kristy successfully completed her rookie run in the Yukon Quest in February 2012. Currently, neither Kristy or Anna have plans to run in the Yukon Quest, but if that changes, we'll let you know!
In the meantime, what follows is a brief overview of key aspects of the race.
The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race is held in February of each year and covers the roughly 1,000 miles between Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, and Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. It is one of the only sled dog races to cross country borders, truly earning its "international" status. It is also known as one of the toughest sled dog races being run today, boasting an informal motto: "Survive First, Race Second."
Kristy successfully completed her rookie run in the Yukon Quest in February 2012. Currently, neither Kristy or Anna have plans to run in the Yukon Quest, but if that changes, we'll let you know!
In the meantime, what follows is a brief overview of key aspects of the race.
Seeing Double Race Record (Original 1,000-mile International race):
2012: Kristy, 9th Place, 10 days, 17 hours, 33 minutes + winner of the Veterinarian's Choice Award! (Rookie Run)
2012: Kristy, 9th Place, 10 days, 17 hours, 33 minutes + winner of the Veterinarian's Choice Award! (Rookie Run)
History
Ironically, the very first Yukon Quest started in Fairbanks on February 25, 1984, just one day after Kristy and Anna were born. The trail route largely follows the Yukon River and was chosen as it most closely replicates the routes taken in the late 1800s and early 1900s during the Gold Rush era and for mail and transportation routes to these remote cities and mining towns. The race starts in Fairbanks in even-numbered years and Whitehorse in odd-numbered years, and the exact length has varied over time from 921 miles to over 1,020 as trail conditions warranted.
Over the years, the race has experienced some ups and downs. The number of participants grew during the late '80s after some logistics of the inagural run (like the one snowmobile used for breaking trail breaking down) were ironed out. But the early '90s were plagued by several things, including a canine disease outbreak, extreme (even by this race's standards) weather, questionable actions by a head veterinarian, and funding disputes on either side of the border. Financial challanges and weather issues have provided the bulk of the race's frustrations in recent years. In 2006, a brutal storm near one of the race's highest points, Eagle Summit, led to 7 mushers and dog teams requiring emergency evacuation by helicopter. And in 2009, 4-time winner Lance Mackey withdrew from the event when the purse was reduced by nearly 25% from what was initially planned.
Despite some hurdles, the race enjoys regular participation each year. As few as 22 mushers have registered (1995) and as many as 47 (1988), with the total number of teams capped at 50 by race rules. On average, and as evidence to the grueling nature of this race, 30-35% of the teams leaving the starting line don't make it to the finish (only 13 out of 25 made it in 2011). The winners have typically required 10 - 12 days to complete the race, with the fastest completion time occuring in 2010 at 9 days, 26 minutes.
Over the years, the race has experienced some ups and downs. The number of participants grew during the late '80s after some logistics of the inagural run (like the one snowmobile used for breaking trail breaking down) were ironed out. But the early '90s were plagued by several things, including a canine disease outbreak, extreme (even by this race's standards) weather, questionable actions by a head veterinarian, and funding disputes on either side of the border. Financial challanges and weather issues have provided the bulk of the race's frustrations in recent years. In 2006, a brutal storm near one of the race's highest points, Eagle Summit, led to 7 mushers and dog teams requiring emergency evacuation by helicopter. And in 2009, 4-time winner Lance Mackey withdrew from the event when the purse was reduced by nearly 25% from what was initially planned.
Despite some hurdles, the race enjoys regular participation each year. As few as 22 mushers have registered (1995) and as many as 47 (1988), with the total number of teams capped at 50 by race rules. On average, and as evidence to the grueling nature of this race, 30-35% of the teams leaving the starting line don't make it to the finish (only 13 out of 25 made it in 2011). The winners have typically required 10 - 12 days to complete the race, with the fastest completion time occuring in 2010 at 9 days, 26 minutes.
Weather
A musher running the Yukon Quest needs to be prepared for just about anything Mother Nature can dish out. Air temps around Fairbanks are typically either side of 0 degrees F in February, but the city reached a record low of -66 degrees F in 1961 according to The Weather Channel. And that is ambient air temperature and does not factor in wind chill. In 2008, mushers faced air temps of -40 degrees F along with 25 mph winds, equating to a wind chill factor of over 70 degrees F below zero. As you can see from the below chart, conditions such as those can lead to frostbite of exposed skin in 5 minutes or less. And that was just at the starting line!
With the Yukon Quest trail ranging in elevation from 440 feet to 4,002 feet, going over mountain ranges, through river valleys, and across windblown tundras, winding around lakes and along side glaciers, the weather is just what you might expect. Wild! Gusting winds, whiteout blizzards, subzero temperatures. The mushers and their dog teams truly face some of the most grueling conditions on the planet Earth.
With the Yukon Quest trail ranging in elevation from 440 feet to 4,002 feet, going over mountain ranges, through river valleys, and across windblown tundras, winding around lakes and along side glaciers, the weather is just what you might expect. Wild! Gusting winds, whiteout blizzards, subzero temperatures. The mushers and their dog teams truly face some of the most grueling conditions on the planet Earth.
NOAA / NWS Wind Chill Safety chart from Weather.gov.
Trail Highlights
There are 11 official checkpoints along the trail, as well as 3 additional official dog drop locations.
- Fairbanks to Two Rivers: A fairly-well traveled section of trail with some continued signs of civilization (you even pass a store in case you forgot something).
- Two Rivers to Mile 101: After dealing with more overflow from the Chena River, teams have the steep climb up Rosebud Summit, which takes them to an often rocky traverse above the tree line and to Boulder Summit. It is likely to be windy with poor visibility and braking conditions.
- Mile 101 to Central: Teams climb Eagle Summit shortly after starting this section of trail and will find it very steep on the way down. Veteran musher John Schandelmeier cautions that braking is "lousy" but "you will survive; usually the little worse for wear."
** Note, mushers must take a 4-hour mandatory layover at either Mile 101 or Central. This is also when the time adjustments are made for the 3-minute staggered start.
- Central to Circle City: This section of trail takes teams through a frozen swamp and the Birch Creek drainage, where temps are likely to be 15 degrees colder than they were in Central. Circle City, roughly 240 miles into the race, is supposed to have good facilities for the teams but is almost always very cold.
- Circle City to Eagle: The trail now heads onto the Yukon River, where conditions can vary a lot from year to year. The trail crosses the river a few times and passes one cabin that can make for a good rest stop. Mushers will go through the dog drop Slaven's Roadhouse, which is known for having great musher facilities. After that, conditions can get very icy until mushers reach Eagle. At this point, teams are about 400 miles from the starting line.
** Mushers have another 4-hour mandatory layover at Eagle.
- Eagle to Dawson City: The first portion of this section of trail usually leaves mushers facing some pretty nasty glaciers as well as the steady climb up American Summit. Teams are above the tree line for a while and can expect wind, some gravel, and sidehill conditions. But the trail does go back into tree cover from there with a winding course and slighter ups and downs. Mushers will pass Wayne's tent camp and may be well advised to take a rest before heading into a stretch than can often be one of the coldest of the race before crossing into Canada. There is one more hospitality stop in the old town of 40 Mile before reaching Dawson City. This is considered the halfway point of the race but is really about 560 miles from Fairbanks and 450 miles from the finish line.
** Mushers have a 36-hour mandatory layover in Dawson City.
- Dawson City to Pelly Crossing: About 25 miles after pulling out, teams will have completed the steady climb to the top of King Solomon's Dome, the highest point on the trail at 4,002 feet. The descent takes them into the Black Hills and on to the Scroggie Creek dog drop. From there, mushers will next hit the Stepping Stone hospitality stop. Just prior to reaching the next checkpoint, mushers travel along Pelly River and must watch for questionable river conditions. And after going a total of roughly 200 miles, when they finally reach Pelly Crossing, they will have completed the longest distance between official checkpoints of any sled dog competition in the world and will be just under 250 miles from Whitehorse.
- Pelly Crossing to Carmacks: This section of trail is primarily flat. About half way to the next checkpoint teams reach the McCabe Creek dog drop, which often boasts the availability of hot water! Should be a good, fast run into Carmacks.
- Carmacks to Braeburn: Teams can expect to encounter some challenging short hills early in this section of trail, known to some as Pinball Alley. Teams are on and off the Yukon River, eventually reaching Mandana Lake ~ the beginning of the Chain of Lakes. Upon reaching Braoeburn, teams are now only about 100 miles from the finish.
** Mushers have an 8-hour mandatory layover in Braeburn.
- Braoeburn to Whitehorse: This is known as a good section of trail with mixed timber, small hills, and a few lakes and creek crossings.
Race Rules
The following is a condensed overview of some key rules, as taken from the official 2012 Rule guide.
Regarding the musher:
- Rookies must have completed one 300-mile and one 200-mile sanctioned qualifying race. Successful completion of portions of the Yukon Quest (such as running the YQ300) or Iditarod may also qualify.
- Musher must be 18 years old by the start of the race and must never have been convicted of animal abuse or neglect.
- Only one sled may be used during the race. In the event a sled gets destroyed, it may be replaced by one comparable with an 8-hour time penalty.
- Upon arrival at each checkpoint, the musher must have the following: sleeping bag, hand ax, snowshoes, vet book and records, any YQ mandatory promotional material (like the race-provided GPS tracker), a functional cooker, and 8 booties per dog (either in the sled or in use). Each musher must sign in and out of each checkpoint.
- The musher may not accept any outside assistance during the race except in dire emergency.
- In the event an edible game animal is killed ("in the defense of life or property") along the trail, it must be gutted, the meat salvaged, and the incident reported at the next checkpoint.
- All mushers must conduct themselves with sportsmanship and courtesy. There will also be no littering. Each participant is responsible for adhering to the rules and following procedures for reporting violations of the rules.
Regarding the dog team:
- All dogs must undergo and pass a thorough physical exam within 15 days of the race start and be up to date on vaccinations and free of prohibited drugs.
- Teams will consist of 8 to 14 dogs at the start, and there must be 6 in harness at the finish. All dogs will be on the towline (no more than 2 abreast) or carefully secured in the basket of the sled. No dog can be led behind the sled.
- At no time during the race may dogs that have not been dropped be housed in a heated shelter. A musher may not obtain additional dog food along the trail between checkpoints without potentially being subject to a penalty.
- Dog harnesses must be padded at the neck and breast panel (where applicable).
- There will be absolutely no cruel or inhumane treatment of the dogs. Vets will perform visual checks of all dogs at each checkpoint and have full discretion to mandate care for along the trail or withdraw a dog.
- Dogs must only be dropped at an official checkpoint or dog drop. If there's a dire emergency along the trail, a dog may be left in capable hands, but the musher is still responsible for the dog and must both report it at the next checkpoint and present the dog for examination by a race vet within 48 hours.
Awards
There is a cash purse to be split amongst the first 15 finishers as well as awards for:
Sportsmanship
Veterinarian's Choice Award
Golden Harness Award (for the champion lead dog or dogs)
Challenge of the North Award (recognizing perseverence)
Dawson Award (for the first musher to reach Dawson and successfully complete the race)
Rookie of the Year
Red Lantern (last official finisher)
Regarding the musher:
- Rookies must have completed one 300-mile and one 200-mile sanctioned qualifying race. Successful completion of portions of the Yukon Quest (such as running the YQ300) or Iditarod may also qualify.
- Musher must be 18 years old by the start of the race and must never have been convicted of animal abuse or neglect.
- Only one sled may be used during the race. In the event a sled gets destroyed, it may be replaced by one comparable with an 8-hour time penalty.
- Upon arrival at each checkpoint, the musher must have the following: sleeping bag, hand ax, snowshoes, vet book and records, any YQ mandatory promotional material (like the race-provided GPS tracker), a functional cooker, and 8 booties per dog (either in the sled or in use). Each musher must sign in and out of each checkpoint.
- The musher may not accept any outside assistance during the race except in dire emergency.
- In the event an edible game animal is killed ("in the defense of life or property") along the trail, it must be gutted, the meat salvaged, and the incident reported at the next checkpoint.
- All mushers must conduct themselves with sportsmanship and courtesy. There will also be no littering. Each participant is responsible for adhering to the rules and following procedures for reporting violations of the rules.
Regarding the dog team:
- All dogs must undergo and pass a thorough physical exam within 15 days of the race start and be up to date on vaccinations and free of prohibited drugs.
- Teams will consist of 8 to 14 dogs at the start, and there must be 6 in harness at the finish. All dogs will be on the towline (no more than 2 abreast) or carefully secured in the basket of the sled. No dog can be led behind the sled.
- At no time during the race may dogs that have not been dropped be housed in a heated shelter. A musher may not obtain additional dog food along the trail between checkpoints without potentially being subject to a penalty.
- Dog harnesses must be padded at the neck and breast panel (where applicable).
- There will be absolutely no cruel or inhumane treatment of the dogs. Vets will perform visual checks of all dogs at each checkpoint and have full discretion to mandate care for along the trail or withdraw a dog.
- Dogs must only be dropped at an official checkpoint or dog drop. If there's a dire emergency along the trail, a dog may be left in capable hands, but the musher is still responsible for the dog and must both report it at the next checkpoint and present the dog for examination by a race vet within 48 hours.
Awards
There is a cash purse to be split amongst the first 15 finishers as well as awards for:
Sportsmanship
Veterinarian's Choice Award
Golden Harness Award (for the champion lead dog or dogs)
Challenge of the North Award (recognizing perseverence)
Dawson Award (for the first musher to reach Dawson and successfully complete the race)
Rookie of the Year
Red Lantern (last official finisher)
