Yukon Quest Team Set For Sled Dog Race In February

Wednesday, 19 December 2018 12:54

Race Manager Briana Mackay says over 30 teams have signed up for the race so far.

Brianna Mackay says she's excited stepping into her new role as race manager for the 2019 Yukon Quest Race.

The annual 1000-mile sled dog race starts in Whitehorse next month on February 2nd and the race team helping aid participants to finish the multi-day race in Anchorage was announced this past Monday.

Mackay says there's many people such as office crew, logistics managers and volunteers who make the event possible.

"Right now we're working with trail coordinators as well as checkpoint managers to get volunteers coordinated for most of the checkpoints. We're talking to a lot of sponsors to get supplies provided so that we have everything we need at checkpoints...I'm actually currently driving over to Alaska to meet with folks at the other side as well to make sure everything is in order there."

Mackay says more participants outside the territory are gathering to watch the race unfold and that her new race manager role is taking on many forms throughout the various checkpoints.

"I'm overseeing both sides (of the border) this year but for the most part on the Yukon side. We've got Whitehorse, Braburn, Carmacks, Pelly and Dawson as the official checkpoints. We start working in October and November with checkpoints managers to make sure they're onboard again. We (also) talk with facilities to make sure that they're willing to give us the space....we then look at food options to be able to serve food at each of those different locations and then also make sure we also have enough volunteers at those locations and are starting to sign people up."

Food drops to help nourish the dogs throughout the race is also essential, and Mackay says participants can still volunteer and help out with the race if they like.

"If Yukoners want to get involved we always need lots of volunteers and spectators. The best way to contact the Yukon Quest office and they can stop in in person on Front Street. They can also call the office."

The Yukon Quest number is is 867-668-4711.

Other participants on the Yukon Race team including Doug Harris as Race Marshal and Dr, Nina Hansen as head veterinarian.

There are a total of 31 people who have signed up for the race this year.