Photo by Northern Light Media
“People say I’m crazy- but I’m not the only one…” — John Lennon
The 2015 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race will start February 7 in downtown Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and travel 991 miles (1,594 kilometers) to Fairbanks, Alaska. This is the 32nd annual running of the Yukon Quest, an event which has become known as a true test of long distance sled dog teams and a tribute to the ancient bond between men and dogs. This is a race which fosters the traditions of northern travel by dog team.
From the Yukon Quest website: “A maximum of 50 mushers can enter the Yukon Quest. Yukon Quest mushers must be at least 18 years old by the race start date and must have demonstrated their ability to successfully complete a 200-mile and a 300-mile sled dog race within the previous 42 months to enter the Yukon Quest.”
For those following the race, whether by vehicle or from the comfort of home, the Yukon Quest website has several helpful links, including the above mentioned Distance Chart which shows the miles (and kilometers) between checkpoints, a Trail Map which also provides elevations, a good breakdown of the best Locations to Watch the race along the route, a very detailed Mushers’ Guide to the trail, and a good explanation of how it all comes together and works called The Race in Action.
There’s much more to the Yukon Quest website, and many more resources for planning how you’ll enjoy this year’s race, including the wonderful videos produced by Mark Gillett and his Suitcase Media:
YQ 2014 – The Story from SuitCase Media on Vimeo.
Northern Light Media 