Yukon Quest Alaska breaks up partnership with Yukon Board over rule dispute

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Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022 11:42am

By Curtis Geroux @GerouxCurtis

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The Yukon Quest has been known for its cross-border length throughout the past, but this recent development puts that history in jeopardy. Photo by John Kennedy / CKRW

The Yukon Quest International Association (Canada) says the governing body in Alaska made the decision unilaterally, with claims that the Yukon side didn't want to cooperate

YUKON - The Yukon Quest International Association (Canada) says they are disappointed today as the governing body in Alaska has dissolved the partnership to host the annual race.

The 1,000-mile dog sled race usually travels to Alaska, however, midway through negotiations, the Alaskan board decided to end the partnership, with allegations that dog care and rest intervals could not be agreed on for future races. 

The Yukon board has disputed the claim, adding that they were willing to cooperate.

Operations Manager, John Hopkins-Hill says there will be 2 separate races this year.

"Both The Canadian side and Alaskan side have a legitimate claim to the name and the history. So in the short term, it means that there's going to be a race on both sides of the border this winter, likely under the Yukon Quest banner."

Hopkins-Hill says the future of the relationship is unknown.

"The events of the last few days certainly show that there's a strained relationship between the two, the two bodies, but what that holds for the future. I can't say at this point."

The race will continue in the Yukon, starting in Whitehorse on Feb 18th, 2023.

Information such as sign-up details and prize totals will be available later in the spring.

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