The Yukon Quest sled dog race has announced a last minute change to the new route it is travelling this year.
The 2024 race that was held up in Pelly Crossing after racers and their dog teams were trucked past open water on the Yukon River breaking from the timeline for setting up support checkpoints further along the trail to Dawson and prompting organizers to call an early finish.
This prompted a new route which had been set to run from Teslin to Faro using the South Canol Road and the Dena Cho Trail before returning via the same route.
Race organizers issued a statement on Feb. 1 announcing that the race would be rerouted avoiding the Dena Cho Trail. According to the notice, the trail will not be used in the interest of musher and dog safety. Racers will instead go 40 miles up the North Canol Road before returning to Ross River. Organizers note that the mandatory 6-hour rest can be taken at Ross River on the way out or on the return from the North Canol.
The race is set to leave from Teslin at 1 p.m. today, February 2.
Contact Jim Elliot at jim.elliot@yukon-news.com