Yukon Quest 2016
1,000 miles straight through the wilderness – from Fairbanks to Whitehorse. Finally, it's that time again – last Saturday the starting gun went off for this year's Yukon Quest, arguably the toughest sled dog race in the world. And our guide and partner »Wild and Free Dogmushing« has not just one but two teams in the race.
More than 2,500 spectators gathered on February 6 at the start and along the first miles of this year's Yukon Quest trail in Fairbanks, Alaska. Traditionally, the start is on the frozen Chena River near the Cushman Bridge, right in the middle of town. But because of the temperatures of the past few days, warm by Alaskan standards, it had to be moved to the riverbank. Just past the start, the first leg took the mushers onto the frozen river toward Two Rivers, the first checkpoint.
Brent at the start in Fairbanks – this year he's heading to Whitehorse wearing bib #9.
Our partner »Wild and Free Dogmushing« is racing with two teams
While Brent Sass and his all-star team defend his championship title over the 1,000 miles from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, Canada, Tim Muto and his young team of »yearlings« are making their debut in the Yukon Quest 300. Brent's longtime »handler« (helper) put in outstanding performances in the season's warm-up races and, above all, showed an excellent feel for the dogs – for Brent, the most important quality of all.
Tim Muto with his two handlers shortly before the start in Fairbanks.
Tough conditions on the Yukon Quest
The Yukon Quest 300 covers 300 miles from Fairbanks to Circle and Central, Alaska. Along the way, the mushers – veterans and rookies alike – have to get past stretches of open water and conquer two climbs, Rosebud Summit and Eagle Summit.
The mushers on the 1,000 miles to Whitehorse are also facing tougher challenges than last year, because the relatively warm temperatures have taken quite a toll on the Quest. While the Alaskan section is still in reasonably good shape, the »trailbreakers« (helpers who go out ahead) report a very thin snow cover at lower elevations on the Canadian part of the trail.
»Jumble ice« (piled-up ice) at the mouth of the Fortymile River where it meets the Yukon, on the Canadian section between Eagle and Dawson City, even prompted the organizers to reroute the trail over a winter trail used by local trappers. Because of the reroute, the mushers now have to tackle another summit with a climb of more than 760 meters (about 2,500 feet).
»I be lieve« – fans cheer Brent on with »Silver's« motto from a bridge near the start.
Follow along live with the GPS tracker
Right now the mushers are on the stretch between Circle and Eagle. With a GPS tracker, you can follow the race live, even from back home. This year Sui Kings is reporting from the trail with short updates for murkl.com – Abenteuer Alaska. The Yukon Quest »old-timer« is following the mushers over the entire 1,000 miles from Fairbanks to Whitehorse.