Organizers prepare for Yukon Quest Alaska 2025 [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Preparations are underway for the 2025 Yukon Quest Alaska, a popular mushing event in Interior Alaska.

The next edition of the race — which has run since 1984 — is scheduled to begin Feb. 1, 2025.

The event has three routes, all starting at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks: a 550-mile dogsled route ending in Tok; as well as a 200-mile route and an 80-mile Fun Run out to Pleasant Valley and back.

The 550-mile and 200-mile routes are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., while the 80-mile is expected to start at 3 p.m.

The Yukon Quest traditionally ran 1,000 miles, ending at Whitehorse in Yukon Territory, Canada. However, adjustments were made to the format after the partnership ended between the U.S. and Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, each country runs its own version of the Yukon Quest.

According to YQA Executive Director Lisa Nilson, this change of format has led to some unique aspects of the …