Yukon Quest sports event is definitely not for the faint-hearted! Taking place in the wilderness of Northwest America, between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Canada, the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race is an ultimate challenge for human and canine endurance. The teams are supposed to cover 1,000 mi (1,600 km), crossing mountains and frozen creeks, in the middle of winter, when the temperature drops to -40°F (-40°C). In even-numbered years, the race starts in Fairbanks, while in odd-numbered years, the starting point moves to Whitehorse.
The same route used to connect two cities for decades during the Gold Rush era when sled dogs were the primary means of transportation, used for mail and goods delivery.
The race starts annually, on the first Saturday of February, with up to 50 dog teams participating. Every team has one musher and 14 well-trained dogs that demonstrate outstanding stamina and speed. There are 9 checkpoints on the route and the half-way stop in historical Dawson City.
The race can last from 10 to 16 days, depending on the weather, until the last team crosses the finish line. The event has been the annual tradition since 1984, celebrating the heritage of dog breeding and canine care in the extremely cold climate.
