Dawson City will once again welcome mushers in the 2016 Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race for a mandatory 36-hour layover.

Last year’s race saw the layover reduced to 24 hours, but after feedback from mushers, veterinarians and officials, the Yukon Quest rules committee has decided to restore the 36-hour layover in Dawson.

The added rest time in Dawson City will result in changes to the other mandatory stops as well.

For 2016, the mandatory layovers will be as follows:

• Four-hour mandatory at either Mile 101 or Central;

• Four-hour mandatory at Eagle;

• 36-hour mandatory at Dawson City;

• Eight-hour mandatory at Braeburn.

“The Yukon Quest values feedback from all parties involved with the race,” Yukon Quest – Alaska executive director Marti Steury said in a press release.

“We all work together to determine the best approach each year, and returning to a 36-hour layover in Dawson City was something everyone felt would work best for the dogs, the mushers and the communities along the trail.”

Additionally, the YQ300 is changing its route in Alaska this year and going out on the Yukon River, in a loop back to Circle to end.

This will give teams a chance to experience some of the 1,000-mile race’s Yukon River trail.

Entry packages for mushers interested in both the 1,000-mile race and 300-mile race are available online, or at either Yukon Quest office.

Mushers can sign-up in person on Aug. 1 at the office in Fairbanks from 12 to 2 p.m. AKST, or the office in Whitehorse from 1 to 3 p.m. PST.

The 2016 Yukon Quest will start Feb. 6 in Fairbanks.