Tagged: Yukon Quest

Fairbanks, AK - The final musher crossed the Yukon Quest finish line Friday evening, bringing to a close the 30th running of the annual race between Whitehorse in the Yukon and Fairbanks.  A handful of awards were handed out to participants at the Awards Banquet Saturday Night.

Fairbanks, AK - The Yukon Quest trail can be long and lonely, but when the weather gets bad, mushers often decide to partner up.  That’s exactly what Darren Lee and Cody Strathe decided to do after a wind storm blew in over the Yukon River.  The two teams traveled together for most of the rest of the race. The trip strengthened a friendship, and maintained a competitive spirit.

Fairbanks, AK - The majority of this year’s dog teams were driven by Yukon Quest Veterans.  A group of experienced mushers in the middle of the pack  say they're working on building young dogs for strong races in the future.

Fairbanks, AK - The top three rookies in this year’s Yukon Quest have all crossed the finish line.  They all appeared pleased with their runs, but slightly shocked at the idea of doing it again.  

Fairbanks, AK - Three of this year’s top four Yukon Quest teams will go on to race in this year’s Iditarod  – Alaska’s “other” long distance sled dog race.  All top four teams are planning long-term Yukon Quest careers for their kennels as well.

Fairbanks, AK - A light snow fell on a small crowd gathered on the Chena River in Fairbanks as Allen Moore’s eleven-dog team pulled the musher across the Yukon Quest finish line early this morning.  The win is fitting after a narrow miss last year.

Moore stepped off his runners, checked in his mandatory gear and greeted his wife, 2000 Yukon Quest champion, Aliy Zirkle. “How you doin’ baby?" she called and leaned in for a kiss. "Fantastic! Ready to do it again,” smiled Moore.