The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race spans some of the harshest winter territory on the planet: 1,000 miles between Fairbanks, Alaska and the city of Whitehorse in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Known as ‘The World’s Toughest Sled Dog Race,’ it’s an event like no other. Run every February, the race is phenomenally challenging, crossing four mountain ranges, including the dangerous and intimidating 3,685-foot Eagle Summit, as it loosely follows the course of the mighty Yukon River.
First run in 1984, the Yukon Quest follows historic mail delivery and transportation routes between Fairbanks, Dawson City, and Whitehorse, the same routes followed by the stampeders in the 1890′s Klondike Gold Rush. The idea originated in April, 1983, during a bar-room discussion among four Alaskans who envisioned an endurance race in which racers would rely on themselves and survival would be as important as speed. The route follows the Yukon River for much of its course and travels over four mountains: King Solomon’s Dome, Eagle Summit, American Summit, and Rosebud
Mike Ellis’ team races under the Nordale bridge in the 2010 running
Summit. Its length is farther than the distance between Seattle and Los Angeles, and the distance between some checkpoints is the breadth of Ireland. Racers endure ice, snow, and extreme cold. Wildlife is common on the trail, and participants sometimes face challenges from moose and wolves. Because of the harsh conditions, the Yukon Quest has been called the “most difficult sled dog race in the world”and the “toughest race in the world.”
Hans Gatt’s team crosses Chena Hot Springs Road in the 2010 race
Helen Hegener has followed the race since 2007, traveling thousands of miles from checkpoint to checkpoint through Alaska and the Yukon Territory in Canada, and in this Yukon Quest Album she shares her favorite stories and photos from this premier sled dog race. A free preview of the first 15 pages of the book is available at the link.
Yukon Quest Album, by Helen Hegener, published in January, 2011 by Northern Light Media. 80 pages, landscape format, softcover edition $36.95, hardcover edition (with dustjacket) $45.95, hardcover edition (with imagewrap cover) $48.95, plus shipping.
