Normally, the Yukon Quest goes between Fairbanks, Alaska and Whitehorse, Yukon, crossing the Canadian-American border. Due to the current pandemic, travel restrictions and border closures, the Yukon Quest 2021 has been cancelled.

Decision Made Out of Responsability

“We did not make this decision lightly”, said Bev Regier, President of the Yukon Quest International Association (YQIA) Board, in a press release.

Regularly, the race travels through 10 different communities, many of which are First Nations communities. Given the unique challenges of running an event of this magnitude during a pandemic, everything from volunteer availability, to entrance of international mushers into the Territory has been impacted. The decision to cancel the 38th running of the Yukon Quest in Canada was made out of great concern for the health and safety of Yukoners, mushers, and all race supporters.

“We have a responsability to look at all aspects of the organization and an even greater responsibility to keep our community’s health a priority”, sats Regier.

Summit Quest 300

However, the Alaskan side of the race is doing their regular every other year 300 mile race in 2021. The race passes by two of the four major summits on the normal 1000 mile race, giving name to this year’s edition – The Summit Quest 300. Race start is February 13th 2021 in Fairbanks, Alaska, and the sign up procedure is already in full swing. 

Back Stronger in 2022

The Yukon Quest International Association are wishing their sister organization in Alaska the best of luck with the Summit Quest 200, and is looking forward to returning to full race programming in 2022.