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Racers Get Set for Yukon Quest Start This Saturday

Wednesday, 30 January 2019 12:52

Photo courtesy of Yukon Quest

Multiple events are being held leading up the race this Saturday, including a "Meet the Mushers" event occurring today at the Mt McIntyre Grey room from 6:30-9:30 and the and the "Start and Draw Banquet" occurring tomorrow at the Yukon Convention Centre from 5-10pm.

The start of the Yukon Quest sled dog race between Whitehorse and Fairbanks is quickly approaching this Saturday.

Multiple events are leading up to the 1000-mile-long sled dog race starting in Whitehorse, including a public "Meet the Mushers" Event occurring  tomorrow from 6:30- 10:30pm at the Mt McIntyre Grey Room where mushers will be signing memorabilia and chatting with the public face-to-face.

The Start and Draw Banquet is also quickly approaching this Thursday at 5pm at the Yukon Convention Centre, where workers will be drawing the musher start order  for the upcoming Saturday race.

Live entertainment, a silent auction, and buffet dinner will also be occurring during the Thursday event and all are welcome to attend.

Yukon Quest racer Michelle Phillips says despite some of the challenges the race poses to mushers and handlers, she's mentally prepared for race day.  

"It's different at 3 or 4 in the morning at -50 in the dark.... then the sun comes up and your emotions change again. It's all over the map. You just try and stay positive for the dogs and know whatever is going on...soon it'll pass."

Phillips says family and other supporters are what keeps bringing her back to the event.

"I enjoy it. Me and my husband work for years doing these things. Of course everyone helps, our friends, our family.. and definitely our main sponsors."

This will be Phillips impressive 15th Yukon Quest race and those interested watching the racers take off Saturday can do so at Shipyards Park around 11am.

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