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

FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns

The First Nation contends the current emergency is self-created and is being used to bypass Nation-to-Nation obligations under the Final Agreement and UNDRIP.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up

Priority 1 trails are normally cleared as close to the surface as possible.
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts

The RCMP says the updates improve comfort and fit for officerswhile keeping them recognizable
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard

Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for review from August 12 to September 10, 2025.
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse

The inquest aims to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding Roux’s death
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding

In addition to the funding for municipalities, up to $88,000 is allocated annually to the Association of Yukon Communities for professional development opportunities.
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns

The amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening frontline healthcare and improving health outcomes, as promised in the 2025 election
Selkirk First Nation announces election results

Jeremy Harper was acclaimed as Chief and Rena Simon as Youth Councillor, effective February 10, 2026.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall

The federal government's First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) funding will end on March 31, 2026.
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal

Repealing the Act without consultation ignores this partnership and undermines progress made