The Yukon Quest Alaska has revised the 2024 race schedule. The company has decided not to hold an event that is 550 miles like it did in February, but will instead opt for 300 miles for the most important event.
Quest executive director Lisa Nilson said a Fairbanks to Circle and Central race trail was modified as a result of musher feedback and now includes 25 miles along the Yukon River, instead of returning to Central via Birch Creek.
“The rough region in the vicinity of Birch Creek gets pretty cold So we decided to eliminate that and wanted to make sure that we were back to the Yukon River so the 300-miler generally begins in Fairbanks before heading to Circle and the portion afterwards is a brand the new trail,” Nilson said. “So it’s back to Central for the final stretch there as well as the trail that is being built connects to the Yukon River instead of Birch Creek.”
The Quest will also be hosting two races of 200 and 80 miles that will both start in Fairbanks.
“The 200-mile qualifier starts at Central and the 80 miles go towards Two Rivers and back just as last year,” she added.
The iconic 1,500-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse is not being held since the year 2020. The race was initially cancelled due to restrictions on the spread of pandemics however it was again cancelled this year because of a conflict with Canadian and Alaska race organizers on the requirements for dog rest.
Nilson claimed that the Quest isn’t giving up on running races that are longer.
“Our objective is to be able to meet with Canada one day and be able to communicate with Canada and work with them. But, for the moment our primary focus is — particularly when the race in 2024 is approaching — to ensure that we’re organizing an incredible race. We’re developing the sport We’re urging young athletes to sign up,” said Nilson.
Nilson who was hired in the last month, has stated she’s focusing on gaining partnerships with sponsors and the community so longer races will be possible in the near future. Quest organizers have revealed the minimum 2024 300-mile race prize of $30,000, however Nilson has said she’s planning to increase that amount prior to February. 3 date for the start.
The registrations for 2024’s Yukon Quest races open on Saturday, September. 30 in the Yukon Quest Alaska race headquarters located in downtown Fairbanks.
