With the biggest mushing race of the season on the horizon, Yukon Quest organizers are making a final push for sponsorship and cash donations.

While many longtime sponsors renewed their commitment this year and some new supporters jumped on board as well, Laurie Parris, Yukon Quest executive director – Yukon, says the race still needs the community’s support.

“Running an event of this magnitude is not only time consuming, but also expensive, so we need to secure as much funding as we can to ensure we provide mushers, their dog teams, volunteers, and fans with the best experience and race possible,” Parris said in a press release last week.

Several sponsorship opportunities are still available with the Yukon Quest, at various levels.

It’s a great opportunity to promote your business while also supporting a not-for-profit event that displays true Northern spirit, Parris said.

“The Yukon Quest is an incredible community event that highlights the history and culture of the North,” added Marti Steury, Yukon Quest executive director – Alaska.

“Running 1,000 miles through 11 communities, the exposure for sponsors is huge, and the uniqueness of this event allows for some really creative ideas when it comes to sponsorship benefits.

“Our longtime sponsors will tell you how much they look forward to participating in this event every year.”

The Yukon Quest is a free event for all spectators, and as a not-for-profit, the organization accepts direct donations.

Anyone can show support for the race by making a donation either online or at either of the Whitehorse and Fairbanks offices.

For online donations, visit fundrazr.com/campaigns/as5Y9/ab/5Ydae.

The 32nd Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race starts Feb. 7 in Whitehorse.

Meanwhile, volunteers of the Yukon Quest will once again get a boost from Alaskan Brewing Company and K&L Distributors.

Alaskan Brewing and K&L partner in their return as the Alaska Volunteer Sponsor for the 2015 race.

They provide in-kind services to the Yukon Quest and its volunteers, including product for the finish banquet, wine tastings and purse party, as well as merchandise and promotional signage.

“There is no question volunteers are key to the success of the Yukon Quest, and we’re thankful to have community sponsors such as Alaska Brewing Company and K&L Distributors who continue to recognize their value,” said Steury.

“Not only do they supply us with product and merchandise for many of our volunteer and fundraising events, but they also help us produce sponsor and information signage for the trail each year, which is a fairly large task.”

And at the finish line in Fairbanks, Alpine Lodge will be a welcome sight for race participants, returning as Official Alaska Hotel of the Yukon Quest.

Alpine Lodge will provide rooms for officials and race staff at the finish of this year’s race, as well as a special rate of US$74 per night for mushers, support teams, volunteers and fans.

“We’re heading into the final stretch before race time and it’s comforting to know that we can count on the continued support of Alpine Lodge,” said Steury.

“As our Official Alaska Hotel sponsor, we know participants can look forward to great accommodations and even better service during finish week in Fairbanks.”

This will be the eighth year for Alpine Lodge as Official Alaska Hotel.

For up-to-date information and news about the race, visit www.yukonquest.com.