The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, which normally runs between Fairbanks, Alaska and Whitehorse, Yukon each February, regularly travels through 10 different communities, many of which are First Nations communities.
The Canadian side of the Yukon Quest International Association made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s 38th running of the Yukon Quest on the Canadian side. The annual race, which was already facing several changes for 2021 due to border restrictions, was scheduled to take place starting in Whitehorse, on February 6th, 2021.
Bev Regier, President of the YQIA Board said in a statement, “We did not make this decision lightly.” Citing major impacts to this year’s race such as restrictions to international travel, economic challenges to local sponsors and the potential risk of exposure of the COVID-19 virus to Yukon communities along the race route, the YQIA Board of Directors decided that the best decision was to cancel this year’s race.
“We have a responsibility to look at all aspects of the organization and an even greater responsibility to keep our community’s health a priority”, said Regier.
The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, which normally runs between Fairbanks, Alaska and Whitehorse, Yukon each February, regularly 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.
The Yukon Quest International Association, Canadian Board of Directors would like to express sincere gratitude to its members, mushers, volunteers, participating communities and valued sponsors for continuing to support this uniquely northern event. The Yukon Quest International Association looks forward to returning to full race programming in 2022 with our sister organization in Alaska.
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