On Air Now CHON Overnight 6:00pm - Midnight

Now Playing Overnight schedule with hourly CP news-breaks CHON Overnight Programming

Listen Live

Yukon "Pretend" Quest

Wednesday, 13 May 2020 18:24

Even though the 2020 Yukon River Quest has been cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual race on the Yukon River will take place this summer for paddlers worldwide who are unable to experience the "race to the midnight sun."

A virtual race has been developed over the past few weeks by Peter Coates who is president of the Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association and also the designer of the race tracking software used by the Yukon River Quest.

"You get to paddle against other people while maintaining social distancing, and then some," Coates said in his race instructions. "You will be paddling against people who might be on the other side of the world."

Using GPS coordinates by registered teams paddling anywhere over a four-day period, and then applying them to the Yukon River race tracker, Coates will be able to track the teams based on their paddling times.

There are actually two races: a Yukon Pretend Quest from Whitehorse to Dawson City - 352 km, and a Yukon Pretend Half Quest from Whitehorse to Carmacks - 150 km, and teams will only have to paddle half of those usual distances which will be multiplied by 2 when applied to the Yukon River map.

Registration fees are $35 for the full race and $20 for the half race. For more details, check out their web site at yukonriverquest.ca

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Teslin RCMP arrest two following search warrant

Matthew Levi Hamilton, 39, is facing seven charges, including pointing a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent.
CYFN's Moccasin Mobile Outreach Program receives national recognition for harm reduction efforts

The award acknowledges the program's dedication to providing essential services, including warm clothing, meals, and cultural support, to those in need.
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 25th February (Audio)

Audio

Nancy Thompson brings a ringside look at the intense training happening in Whitehorse as wrestlers gear up for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 18th February (Audio)

Audio

Nancy Thompson here, catching up with some of the talented hockey players gearing up for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yukon Government partner on Dawson land planning initiative

The plan will cover Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Settlement Land parcels C-13B and C-87FS, and adjoining Government of Yukon-owned land.
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 11th February (Audio)

Audio

Nancy Thompson is catching up with some passionate athletes gearing up for the Dene Games
Yukon University strike averted as union reaches tentative agreement

The union announced the news, stating that workers deserve a fair and equitable contract.
Yukon Government seeks input on new École Whitehorse Elementary School location

The survey will be open until April 26, and in-person public information sessions will be held March 23-27 at various locations in Whitehorse.
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games schedule unveiled

The Host Society has also completed contingency planning, relocating services from Yukon University
Jeremy Harper elected as Chief of Selkirk First Nation

As only one candidate submitted and upheld the required nomination forms for Chief.
Yukon government pauses implementation of Health Authority, considering repealing Health Authority Act

Yukon Premier Currie Dixon cites "outstanding concerns" regarding the impacts on health-care workers pensions and the structure of Shäw Kwä’a.
Yukon University withdraws from AWG

The decision was made following discussions about how any labour disruption would interrupt access to the entire campus.
$300,000 fund boosts student attendance initiatives in Yukon schools

Since 2012, the initiative has raised over $3 million, with $1.9 million invested in projects supporting student attendance.
Whitehorse to host 2026 Broomball World Championships

Up to 35 teams from around the world will compete in four divisions: mixed, men's, women's, and men's masters.
Harper to run for SFN chief

The former MLA for Mayo-Tatchun said that he made the decision following rest, reflection, and careful consideration.
Helicopters head to Alaska for exercise

The Griffons will operate at altitudes no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their route
First Nations warn of increased scrutiny at US border, citing ICE actions

Recent incidents have seen some First Nations members facing heightened checks, prompting the AFN to condemn these actions and reaffirm its commitment to protecting First Nations
Art brings hope to Whitehorse Shelter amidst challenging times

By including Yukon First Nations art in the shelter, we are helping to ensure it feels inclusive and connected to the community
Yukon Schools to benefit from national School food program

The funding will support a hot lunch pilot program, school kitchen improvements, and the development of territory-wide Healthy Food Guidelines.
Yukon Liberal Party shuffles leadership

Pemberton's departure follows the party's recent territorial election loss, where they failed to form government.