This badass version of the more recognizable dogsled race, the Iditarod, adds an element of survivalist skill to the already-challenging prospect of getting a bunch of dogs to drag you a thousand miles through the snow. The race was thought up by – that's right – four guys sitting around in a bar talking about how the Iditarod was too easy, and how they wanted a race that added some woodsman-sized competition to the race. The Yukon Quest provides food/supply drops for “mushers” (best/worst name for an athlete ever) rather than full-on checkpoints, as other races use. This element is meant to pay tribute to the pioneers of the Alaskan Gold Rush, many of whom crossed this land as part of their job. The trail winds through the mountainous, snowy wilderness, and has lots of infamously treacherous passes, including the stretch between Pelly Crossing and Dawson City, the longest stretch between checkpoints of any dogsled race in the world (200 miles!).
There's a sweet Disney movie called Iron Will about a kid who competes in a really difficult dogsled race. I just thought I'd mention that. It has nothing to do with the Yukon Quest. Whatever. Go watch it.
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