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About the Yukon Quest

Mission Statement and Philosophy

Yukon Quest International is committed to supporting long distance sled dog racing as a sport and in particular, to organizing, producing and supporting a sled dog race of international character between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska.

The main objectives of the Yukon Quest are to:
  • Encourage and provide an opportunity for participation among mushers in an epic sled dog race without regard to the musher's sex, race, religion, national origin, background, vocation or economic standing.
  • Recognize and promote the spirit that compels one to live in the “Great North Land”, an international spirit that knows no governmental boundaries.
  • Bring public attention to the historic role of the Yukon Quest Trail in the development of the North and the people and animals that strived to meet this challenge.
  • Commemorate the historic dependence of humans on their sled dogs for mutual survival in the Arctic environment and to perpetuate humankind's concern for our canine companions' continued health, welfare, and development.
  • Encourage and facilitate knowledge and application of the widest variety of bush skills and practices that form the foundation of Arctic survival.
  • Offer an experience that reflects the spirit and perseverance of the pioneers who discovered themselves in their wild search for adventure, glory, and wealth in the frozen North.

The Yukon Quest philosophy is reflected in this 1998 Finish & Awards Banquet speech by Yukon Quest musher Dave Olesen:

“I accept this award on behalf of all the mushers still on the trail, in the middle of the night, far from the checkpoint, on their hands and knees, taking care of their dogs. Nobody's talking, nobody's sleeping, and nobody's eating. They're moving up and down the line of dogs, taking care of little aches and pains.”

YUKON QUEST MISSION STATEMENT

Yukon Quest International believes in and strives for:
  • Excellence in canine care
  • Promotion of the sport of sled dog racing
  • Perpetuation of the traditions of mushing
  • Fair and honest competition
  • Partnerships with the communities on the Yukon Quest Trail
  • Community spirit and cultural exchange along the race route and among competitors
  • Commemoration of the historic sled dog routes that the Yukon Quest Trail follows
  • Equal treatment of all mushers
  • Involvement and recognition of dedicated and competent volunteers
  • Low-impact travel on the trail
  • Partnerships with sponsors
  • Fiscal responsibility