Groups of 14 canines led by one human 'musher' will race over 1600 kilometres between Whitehorse in Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska. One thing is certain: not every team will make it to the end as they battle 40 below zero temperatures in their pursuit of the Yukon Quest champion title and a share in the prize purse of more than $127,000.
A total of 21 mushers have confirmed their intention to run in the 2015 Yukon Quest, with Whitehorse resident Rob Cooke the first to hand in his paperwork.
“As a musher who loves this race, this is going to be a very exciting Yukon Quest,” said Cooke. “There was a lot of positive energy on sign-up day and it will be good for us all to carry that forward into the 2015 race.”
The Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race was named for the Yukon River, known as the "highway of the north," and the historical winter land routes travelled by prospectors, adventurers and supply carriers between Alaska and the gold fields of the Klondike in Canada's Yukon Territory.
The Yukon Quest is powered by sled dogs. Bred from stock that survived and thrived during the Gold Rush Era of 1898, no animal on earth can match them for endurance, dedication and their ability to perform in the extreme conditions of the North.
These dogs are elite, marathon athletes and the mushers play coach, cook, cheerleader and companion to their dogs. The spirit of the Yukon Quest tests the strength of the ancient bond that exists between humans and canines.
Visitors from around the world will flock to the city of Whitehorse to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Quest, including live music and celebrations as the mushers and their sled dogs gather on the starting line.
Getting there: The city of Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon Territory is a two hour flight from Vancouver.
www.yukonquest.com
www.travelyukon.com
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