At this point we cannot be sure of anything. The Alaska weather has all but destroyed any hope of winter in any part of the state. The race is still a go at the time this blog post was written and published, but as we've seen multiple times this season - things change rapidly.
The Yukon Quest Alaska has planned three events this weekend. There is a 550 mile race that currently has eight mushers signed up, the 200 mile race has six teams, and the 80 mile fun run has a whopping fourteen entries.
Ever since the Yukon Quest board broke apart forming two separate races instead of one big international trail race, the Quest - which was already struggling to have big rosters - the Quest rosters have been super small. We can all speculate as to why, but it does not help that both sides continually choose dates close to one another (if not the exact same date). We're in THAT stage of the divorce where parents make the kids choose and compromise is not an option (allegedly. no insider knowledge here, just basing on assumptions).
With all of the races in the last few weeks having to drastically change plans, dates, or just full on cancel, the Quests may be one of the few races we get this season - so no complaining! Armchair mushers must take what we can get!
As always, the roster will be updated with bib numbers and final roster as soon as possible after information is published. For now here's what they look like.
Huge shout out to Kailyn Olnes (and her hubby!) for helping me figure out a few kennel names for the YQ 80)! Please check out the ReRun Kennel and support the awesome work they're doing with rescue pups! (I definitely WONT spill the beans that opting to help me get kennel names meant there was and excuse to not pack drop bags.)
YQ 550
YQ 200
YQ 80
Rosters as of January 31, 2025 at 7:30pm.
The race will start in Fairbanks on Feb 1 at 11am.
Who are you cheering for? Thoughts on who may take home the top prize in each race? Comment below!
If you like what you see and want to support my addiction (I mean HOBBY) of following these races and stalking (I mean cheering on) the mushers, you can buy me a slice of pizza (that really goes to paying for my internet/web expenses).
