The Yukon Quest

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The Yukon Quest is an annual sled dog race that covers 1000 miles from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada to Fairbanks, Alaska, USA.

Since 1984 racers and their dog teams have been racing on a trail that retraces the historic Gold Rush and northern mail delivery routes from the early 20th century. The "Quest" takes place in February and has mushers and their dogs tackling the extreme conditions of minus 40 temperatures, 100 mile an hour winds, open water and bad ice.

The race trail follows frozen rivers and travels through four mountain ranges. There are 10 checkpoints that are approximately 200 miles apart. Mushers are not permitted to accept any help or assistance and must carry and complete the race with a variety of mandatory safety equipment.

Race teams have 14 days to complete the course and carry all of their team's food and supplies from start to finish with a break at the mid-way point in Dawson City.

Race teams consist of one musher and 14 race dogs. Mushers must care for and cheer on their dogs throughout the race in order to not only complete the race but also ensure the entire team's survival.