Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race organizers plan to hold two races in 2021, one in Alaska, and one in the Yukon Territory. A release from Quest organizers in Alaska and the Yukon Territory, says the plan has come together
in light of impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, which have both complicated transborder travel and logistics, and diminished event sponsorship. Mushers representative to the board Doug Grilliot says its clear that the race run every February since 1984, covering a thousand miles between Fairbanks and Whitehorse, and alternating direction each year, cannot happen in 2021.
Yukon Quest Why: Q:”…in Fairbanks this year.” :20
Grilliot says organizers on both sides of the border are just beginning to plan their events.
Yukon Quest Plan: Q:”…to do that.” :25
Grilliot says race length and other details largely hinge on cost, especially on the Alaska side, where organizers came out of this year’s race $150,000 in debt.
Yukon Quest Efficient: Q:”…can really enjoy.”
Grilliot stresses that putting on the shorter races does not eliminate all pandemic-related challenges.
Yukon Quest Pandemic: Q:”…those issues out.” :15
Sign up day for the 2021 Yukon Quest races has been pushed forward to a yet-to-be-determined date in September.
