The board of directors of the Yukon Quest International Association (YQIA) has cancelled the 38th running of the Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile Dog Sled Race on the Canadian side.

The decision was made last Saturday, but not announced until Thursday afternoon.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the annual international race between Whitehorse and Fairbanks had been facing several challenges due to border restrictions.

In June, the Yukon and Alaskan boards decided, because of the pandemic, that a 1,000-mile race would not be feasible.

Instead, it was proposed that two separate races would be held on either side of the border.

The race on the Canadian side was scheduled to begin Feb. 6, 2021.

Bev Regier, the president of the YQIA, said the decision to cancel the Canadian race was not made lightly.

“There are border restrictions and some of our major sponsors couldn’t help this year,” said Regier.

“Also, given the orders of the day, we wouldn’t have been able to hold the start banquet and all expenses from that go toward race expenses. Our silent auction last year made $14,000.”

It isn’t just international borders the Yukon Quest had to navigate.

Mushers from provinces not in the Yukon bubble – B.C., the N.W.T. and Nunavut – would have been required to self-isolate upon arriving in the Yukon.

The decision to cancel the race, Regier said, was the responsible course of action in order to keep communities safe.

On the Canadian side of the race, the Quest travels through several First Nation communities. Regier said there was consultation with the communities before making the decision.

“We want to show, and continue to show, great respect for the First Nation communities,” said Regier.

“We want to keep everyone safe. We had one community say to us they would only like people from the Yukon or B.C. travelling through.”

Regier said the mushers she has spoken to are disappointed, but understand the realities of the times.

Although the Quest is a no-go on this side of the border, Regier said they will continue to be active in the community with virtual activities.

On the American side, the race will still go on.

On Aug. 14, Yukon Quest Alaska announced it would hold a YQ300 mile race following the standard race route, as in past years.

The Alaskan side has renamed its 300-mile race to “The Summit Quest” for 2021 and beyond.

The race includes two of the highest mountain climbs in the 1,000-mile race, Rosebud and Eagle Summit. Registration for the race will open Oct. 3, with the race beginning Feb. 13.

Although it’s a disappointing time for everyone involved on the Canadian side, Regier said, the Quest will be looking forward to 2022, when it can come back strong by holding a 1,000-mile race.