Every two years paddlers gather in Whitehorse for a different breed of race.

If the Yukon River Quest is an epic endeavour, the Yukon 1000 is a serious endurance commitment.

The 1,000-mile paddling race down the Yukon River is the world’s longest paddling race by far, but it’s only held every two years.

Ten teams began the race today with a floating start near Rotary Peace Park.

Compared to the start of the Yukon River Quest about three weeks ago, when the shores were packed with spectators, the rocks lining the Yukon River were barren on the overcast day.

But for those who did turn out, witnessing the start of the endurance race was memorable.

For this year’s edition, it’s the race of the canoe, with eight of the boats being tandem canoes. The other two entries are a tandem kayak and buddied solo kayak.

There’s also an international crowd with only one Canadian team entered.

There are a handful of U.S. teams, a contingent of Brits, one German duo, a team from Kenya and a team from South Africa.

The race is unsupported. Teams communicate their location with a SPOT beacon and must rest for six hours each night – they can paddle for up to 18 hours a day. They are not allowed to paddle during hours of darkness.The first teams will be expected to finish at the Alaksa Pipeline Bridge near Fairbanks, in about one week.

Started in 2009 by Peter Coates, who also helps organize the River Quest, the Yukon 1000 is in its fifth year.

With lower water, it’s not expected that any records will be broken this year.