YUKON QUEST 1000 MILE RACE

The Yukon Quest 1,000-mile International Sled Dog Race, or Yukon Quest, is an annual sled dog race between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon. The race takes place in February, and because of the harsh conditions, difficult trail, and limited support that mushers are allowed, it is considered the "most difficult sled dog race in the world", and has been called the "toughest race in the world".The race route runs on frozen rivers, over four mountain ranges, and through isolated northern villages. Racers cover 1,016 miles (1,635 km) or more, temperatures commonly drop as low as -60 °F (-51 °C), and winds can reach 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) at higher elevations.The race course follows historic 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, mail delivery, and transportation routes between Fairbanks, Dawson City, and Whitehorse. The mushers must pack up to 250 pounds (113 kg) of equipment and provisions for themselves and their sled dogs to survive between checkpoints. Racers are permitted to drop sled dogs at checkpoints or dog drops but are not allowed to replace the dogs or the sled at any time without penalty. Racers cannot accept help from non-racers except when they reach Dawson City, the halfway mark of the race. Ten checkpoints and four dog drops, some more than 200 miles (322 km) apart, lie along the trail. Veterinarians are present at each checkpoint and dog drop to ensure the health and welfare of the dogs, advise mushers about caring for their dogs' medical needs, and provide veterinary care for dropped dogs, if needed.