The Yukon Quest Alaska is set to kick off this weekend. While the rest of Alaska has had a severe lack of winter weather, the Interior has survived the worst of it. That doesn't mean they haven't had some worrisome days of rain, warm temps, and rivers opening up - but they still have more snow and -more importantly- trails to run dogs.
The YQA is one half of the former Yukon Quest that traveled across the Canadian Border (with starts/finishes flip flopping every year as to which country got which point). Instead of one international thousand mile race, there are now two separate Quests happening, on on each side of the border. There are different rules, different trails, different rosters.... but not different dates.
Yes, that's correct, fans will have to keep both races straight again this season as they take off one day apart.
This year the race plans to run from Fairbanks to Tok for their premiere 550 mile race. This has been in the works for several years using feedback from mushers as well as working hard to make sure they had a trail. "This year’s course not only challenges mushers with its demanding landscapes," the race writes, "but also offers them an unforgettable journey through Alaska’s natural beauty." (Fans traveling to the finish in Tok will enjoy the small border town, make sure to eat at Fast Eddies and if you meet Louisa James anywhere in Tok freak her out by telling her her cousin says hi.)
The 200 mile race will also taking off from Fairbanks and following the same trail as last year. The race will have four checkpoints inbetween start and finish with the final leg being a loop from the final checkpoint back into the checkpoint for a finish. Write the YQA, "It offers an excellent opportunity for participants not quite ready for the grueling 550-mile race but still eager to tackle a significant and rewarding challenge."
Much later in the day the fun run will take off from Fairbanks and run out to the Two Rivers Community Center where teams will take a six-hour layover before returning to Fairbanks. The race is intended to be an introduction for novice mushers wanting to dip their toes into the world of competitive mushing. You will see junior mushers mix with newer rec mushers/handlers out to have a good time with their dogs. While not as intense in its rules, there's still the code of conduct for mushers to follow and most importantly for all partipants (two and four leg) to have fun.
While the rosters for each race are not as large as some of the other races around the state, they still boast some pretty fantastic teams.
Who to Watch
Jason Mackey - His surname aside, Jason wants to win. Actually, it might be because of his surname he wants to win. Mackey has a mix of dogs from several top kennels including his brother's to get him to the starting line. It's unclear if this is a training run for Iditarod or if he's hoping to get out in front and take the win. His son Patrick is also running, but unlike many family teams Mackeys don't often run together (at least not planned).
Jeff Deeter - Deeter's made it clear the main focus of this season is being ready for a top finish in Iditarod. Do not expect Jeff to do anything crazy, but also don't count him out taking advantage of a lead if he gets one. With the small roster it's a good bet he could end up with a high placement. He's not sharing dogs with KattiJo on this one. Both Jeff and KJ were originally set to run the Yukon Quest in Canada before they decided to stick a little closer to home, which may mean Jeff sees an opportunity to make a move.
Jonah Bacon - Let's not make the same mistake we did for the Copper Basin this year and count Jonah out. It's clear he has the confidence and blessing of the kennel owner to be able to run a competitive race. Bacon ran an impressive Copper Basin, which is not an easy task in a good weather season, and yet he managed to take on the oppressive heat, open water, and insane wins to come in an impressive fifth place.
Josi Shelley - You may be wondering who this Josi Shelley is. The musher from There and Back Kennel was Iditarod's Rookie of the Year in 2024 as Josi Thyr. The newlywed was a last minute add to the YQA roster, but don't think she's been sitting around at home just being a new bride. Josi and crew have been training and doing tours and Josi liked what she saw in the dogs. Expect Josi to keep the boys on their toes in this race.
How to Watch
Not everyone can be on the trail cheering the teams on, so how best can "armchair mushers" follow along? Glad you asked.
Official Website
Everything you need to know from race rules to news to musher profiles can be found on the Yukon Quest Alaska website. You can donate to the race as well as find lots of fun merchandise as well. It's worth taking a look to get a feel for how the YQ Alaska operates.
Trackers
Where would any armchair fan be without the trackers? While the link isn't officially live, the race has said that fans would be able to track their teams. Expect the trackleaders link to go live in a day or so and when it does this blog will be updated with the link. You can follow along with those little green trackers by clicking here.
Social Media
The race is most active on their Facebook page. Photos and race reports will be added throughout the weekend as well as any other announcements. They are also on Instagram.
Local Media
Radio station 103.9 in Fairbanks will broadcast the start. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner will no doubt also follow along.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, January 30
5pm - Meet the Mushers & Bib Draw
Saturday, February 1
11am - YQA 550 Start
?? - YQA 200 Start directly following 550
3pm - YQA 80 Fun Run Start
Friday, February 7
5pm - Finisher's Banquet
Who are you cheering for? Comment below!
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