The 2021 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog race was canceled this year due to Covid-19.
But the 2021 Summit Quest 300, which incorporates the toughest challenges on the Alaskan side of the trail, is still happening! And my hometown newspaper, The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, has asked my to cover the race for them, which will be my third time.
The race started Feb. 13 at Two Rivers, northeast of Fairbanks, Interior Alaska. I’m hitting the trial first thing today, with a winner expected around Tuesday. Follow my coverage at the News-Miner, and be on the lookout for fresh posts when I return!
Rookie Bridgett Watkins of Fairbanks was the final musher to hit the trail during the start of the Summit Quest 300 on Saturday. Although technically a rookie, Watkins has been mushing since the age of 5, and her dad and step-mom, Allen Moore and Aily Zirkle, are both elite long-distance mushers. Feb. 13, 2021. Robin Wood for the News-Miner.
Summit Quest 300 rookie Kai Leddy untangles her gangline prior the the start of the race on Saturday. This is Leddy’s second mid-distance sled dog race, and she hopes to run the Iditarod in 2022. Feb 13, 2021. Robin Wood for the News-Miner.
Pleasant Valley Store in Two Rivers hosted the start of the 2021 Summit Quest 300 due to bridge construction in Downtown Fairbanks. The full 1,000 Mile Yukon Quest was canceled due to Covid-19, but plenty of enthusiasm remained for a shorter race along parts of the trail. Feb. 13, 2021. Robin Wood for the News-Miner.