Guest Author - Kimi Ross

Though less well known than the Iditarod, the Yukon Quest is the “other” premier long distance dog sled racing event. Each year in February, up to 50 mushers and dog teams depart from either Fairbanks, Alaska (even years) or Whitehorse, Yukon Territory (odd years) for a 1000 mile journey across rugged wilderness terrain.

The 1898 Gold Rush brought a rush of individuals to the north. Dogs and their drivers were essential in opening up the backcountry, not only to the Klondikers and other gold seekers who followed, but to trappers and traders as well; the mighty Yukon River was their major winter highway. In 1983, a small group of mushers in Fairbanks started talking about a new dog sled race that would trace the old mail, trade, and trapping routes along the river and in 1984 the first Yukon Quest was run.

The Yukon Quest differs from the Iditarod in many respects. Many mushers regard the Yukon Quest as the tougher of the two races. The Quest trail has four summits over 3000 feet and distances between checkpoints may be as much as 200 miles. While the moderate purse may be a deterrent to some big name mushers, others are attracted by the low-key media presence, isolation on the trail, and rugged conditions. The Yukon Quest traverses country that is isolated even by Alaska standards.

Prior to entering the Yukon Quest, a musher must demonstrate his ability to complete a long distance event by completing at least one 300 mile race and an addition 200+ mile race, for a minimum of 500 miles. These miles must be completed within the 42 months prior to the race start.

All mushers participating in the Quest must run their team through a pre-race vet check. Veterans of the race have the option to utilize their own race-approved veterinarian, thus freeing them from the logistics of arriving at the race start within a specific time frame. If they choose to use their own vet, the health checks must are completed at their own expense. Rookies to the race, however, must bring their team to a scheduled vet check in either Fairbanks or Whitehorse, which takes place in the 15 days before the race. The vet checks are free of charge and run by local volunteers. Exams include blood work, urine test, and an EKG in addition to a general health check such as a vet would perform on a family pet. The team of twelve race veterinarians, a head vet, and three veterinarian assistants bring a wealth of experience in caring for animals from around the United States.

Interestingly, a well known and experienced musher such as Martin Buser, who will be competing in his first Quest in 2009, is still considered a “rookie” in this race. It should be noted that success in the Iditarod does not guarantee success in the Yukon Quest, and vice versa. While Lance Mackey has demonstrated that it is possible to be competitive in both races – he won the Quest and the Iditarod back to back in 2007 and 2008 – he is unique. Others, such as Hans Gatt, have found “success” in the Iditarod more elusive. Though he is a three time Quest champ (2002, 2003, 2004), he did not break the top ten of the Iditarod until 2008, his ninth race.

The Yukon Quest is a well-respected long distance dog sled race. Though not as well known as the Iditarod, Yukon Quest finishers are tough, talented individuals who are worthy of admiration for their accomplishment.