Yukon Quest Organizations Break Up

The relationship between the Alaska and Canadian organizations that have run the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race since 1984 has fallen apart, APM reports.

The breakdown began with a Canadian proposal earlier this spring to dramatically increase the amount of time mushers are required to rest their dogs along the 1,000-mile trail between Fairbanks and Whitehorse.

Alaska officials rejected the idea, as well as a Canadian follow-up proposal. Both sides blame the other for negotiations breaking down.    

Next year could look similar to the past two years when pandemic restrictions resulted in shorter Quest races held on either side of the Alcan border. So far nothing legally binding has occurred relative to the breakup of the race organizations, leaving open the possibility of a reconciliation.