Race marshal Mike McCowan announces Friday that the Yukon Quest will end in Dawson City. Teams head to Pelly Crossing, where they’ll make a loop before heading back up the trail. The new route will shave about 40 miles off the 1,000 mile standard distance.
Sebastian Schnuelle (seated, left) and Gerry Willomitzer (right) listen to the trail change plan. Willomitzer left Dawson in 4th place, followed just a half hour later by Schnuelle.
Dave Dalton of Healy puts booties on his dogs before leaving the race’s halfway point Saturday.
Kyla Boivin was the last musher to arrive in Dawson at 2:14 pm Saturday. She’s scheduled to depart around 3 am Monday morning.
The Yukon Quest will end in Dawson City this year, but not before teams run 400 more miles. Lance Mackey led the teams out of the race’s halfway point this morning as they head to Pelly Crossing - where they will loop and head back to Dawson. Click here to Listen to the report.
Mushers, handlers, and volunteers listen to the trail report from Canadian Ranger John Mitchell, or Mitch. Mitch has broken trail for the Quest since the race started more than 20 years ago, and says the conditions between Pelly and Whitehorse are the worst he’s ever seen them. But Mitch says the new route to Pelly and back will be safe for the dogs.
Hans Gatt’s camp in Dawson City.
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