The 31st annual Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race overcame many challenges en route to a successful finish in 2014. That success would not have been possible without the support of the Canadian Rangers.
Due to unusual weather conditions, portions of the trail were either re-routed or skipped altogether. The Canadian Rangers played an integral role in making sure the trail was safe for all participants and that the race was able to continue.
They were responsible for breaking trail on the Yukon side and also monitored changing conditions daily to make sure the mushers and officials were prepared. Still, many of the mushers who started the race experienced difficulties along the way, and once again the Rangers stepped up to assist.
When musher Tony Angelo pushed his emergency help button between Forty Mile and Dawson City, the Canadian Rangers immediately left on snowmobile and were able to safely transport not only Tony, but all 12 of his dogs as well, into the Dawson checkpoint.
On the back half of the race, leader Brent Sass sustained a head injury during a fall on the trail and was unable to make it into Braeburn on his own. Sass pushed his assistance button and the Canadian Rangers were first on the scene. They performed first aid on Sass and transported him into the checkpoint so he could receive further medical attention.
We would also like to point out that these rescues were done in temperatures hovering around -40 C, which made things a lot tougher on everyone involved. The Canadian Rangers never hesitated.
Each winter, the Rangers volunteer hundreds of hours of their time in order to assist the Yukon Quest and the entire Yukon Territory in hosting this community event.
The Yukon Quest Alaska and Yukon boards of directors would both like to once again offer our most sincere thank you to the Canadian Rangers for all of their hard work and assistance during this year’s race, as well as all previous races they’ve been a part of. Your community spirit and dedication does not go unnoticed!
Laurie Parris
Executive Director - Yukon
Yukon Quest International
Sled Dog Race