The Yukon Quest's executive director for Yukon operations, Marie Belanger, will step down from her position following the 2014 race in February.

The announcement was made yesterday afternoon via press release from the Quest office.

The search for a new executive director for the 1,000-mile international sled dog race will begin Friday.

Belanger, 35, took the reins of the race from Sue Thomas, who resigned in April 2012. Belanger will oversee her second consecutive race in February, before pursuing a new opportunity Outside the territory.

Belanger said it was not an easy decision to step away from the famed dog race.

"It is with a heavy heart that I am leaving the Yukon Quest,” Belanger said in the press release.

"I have so many wonderful memories of my time on the trail and the people that I have been blessed to work with, but I also have high hopes for my future as I pursue a new adventure Outside the territory.”

Belanger was tight-lipped about her new opportunity when reached by the Star this morning.

"It is personal life,” she said. "It's something that is new in my life and it's taking me out of the territory. That's the reason why I have to let go of the job. It's a very good thing for me, and I'm definitely excited about moving on (with) that part of my life.”

Belanger moved to Whitehorse from Churchill, Manitoba to work for the Yukon Quest in 2009.

She was operations manager for the Yukon for three years, before being promoted to executive director in August of 2012.

"I have loved every minute of this job – the challenges, the tasks, the relationships that I forged,” she said. "I will without doubt miss my Yukon Quest family, but will proudly tell people that I used to work for the Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race.”

Belanger, who grew up in Montreal, said that while the announcement had to be made now in order for a successor to be sought, she will remain her dedicated self through the entirety of the next race.

"I'm doing this one until the end,” she said. "I haven't left a firm leaving date with the board. I have to go in the spring, but I want to help with training and I want to make sure the person who is following me is comfortable and knows what's going on. I'm not just disappearing.”

Yukon board president Joost van der Putten had nothing but kind words for the ever-smiling Belanger.

"It was a bit of a shock to learn that Marie is planning to leave the Yukon Quest as executive director,” he said. "Her dedication, enthusiasm and drive for results will surely be missed. But, for everyone there is a next stage in life and Marie is heading for hers.

"On behalf of the entire board of directors, I wish Marie a wonderful future and the best of luck. She will always have a place in our hearts and we would gladly see her back as a volunteer in the near or far future.”

Belanger's Alaskan counterpart, Marti Steury, also stepped down from the race in March, before returning to her position a few months later.

"I am very excited to remain with the Yukon Quest for another year, especially when we have such a strong race team in place,” Steury said upon her decision to return.

Yukon Quest International, Ltd. will be accepting applications for the position of Executive Director – Yukon starting this Friday. The job posting will go up then on the official website.

The 31st Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race will get underway Feb. 1 in Fairbanks.

Currently, 17 mushers are registered for the official race, while 20 mushers, including 2009 Quest champion Sebastien Schnuelle, have signed up for the YQ300.

The deadline for early registration is Dec. 6.