August 25th, 2023 – The Yukon Quest Alaska races for February 2024 will have some different distances than previously announced. The mushers spoke, and we listened
The premier race for 2024 will now be a 300-mile distance, starting in Fairbanks, running to Circle, then following an exciting new route back to Central for the finish. The new route includes approximately 25 miles of the Yukon River, eliminating the customary return to Central via Birch Creek, and giving our racers the Yukon River experience that they’ve been missing.
The YQA will also host two other races starting the same day; a 200-mile qualifier race finishing in Central, and back by popular demand, the 80-mile fun run to Two Rivers back to Fairbanks.
While the format varies from our original plans, YQA is excited to have all three races with a projected 40+ more dog teams starting in downtown Fairbanks on Saturday, Feb 3rd 2024. The YQA is committed to exploring new trail options this winter and expanding our routes in the future. The goal is to include more Interior Alaska communities, both old and new.
First day of sign-ups will be held on September 30th 2023 at the Yukon Quest Alaska headquarters on 1st Avenue in Fairbanks, AK. Stay tuned for more information Race rules will be published soon and will follow the traditional Yukon Quest International format, providing a highly competitive race while providing the best veterinary care in the world for long distance sled dog racing.