The Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race has confirmed a race start in 2022.

After having made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Quest due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the boards of directors said last week they were happy to confirm that the next race will start in Fairbanks, Alaska on Feb. 5, 2022.

“In the past few years, the race usually started in Fairbanks in even years and Whitehorse in uneven years – generally on the first Saturday in February. We’re happy to continue with this tradition despite not having the race start in Whitehorse this year,” says Josi Leideritz, executive director in the Whitehorse office.

“After the success of our race here in Alaska this winter, the 2021 Summit Quest 300, we’re excited to now begin planning next year’s Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race,” said Doug Grilliot, the secretary and musher representative of the board of directors in Alaska.

“Obviously, there is still a bit of uncertainty about what exactly the race will look like, as it all depends on how the pandemic unfolds in the months to come. But with the current rollout of the vaccine, we’re hopeful that the border will reopen and the race can go ahead as planned next year,” said Leideritz.

Since its inauguration in 1984, this is the first year the Yukon Quest did not happen due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and resulting border closures.

Both boards of directors in Alaska and the Yukon said they are greatly anticipating the race in 2022 and wish to thank all fans, volunteers, and sponsors who supported them throughout these unprecedented times.

Further updates on the race in 2022 will be shared throughout the year.