Yukon Quest fans who have always wanted to ride in a dog sled have a chance to join their favourite musher at the start of the 1,600-kilometre international sled dog race.

Formerly known as the Starter Program, Quest Guest gives fans the chance to bid online for their favourite musher, with the winning bidder earning the unique experience.

“Quest Guest was created in response to the mushers’ desire to actively participate in raising funds to increase the race purse,” said Laurie Parris, the race’s Yukon executive director.

“Net proceeds of this program will be added to the race purse and paid out to the mushers. It’s a really unique and fun way for our fans to interact directly with their favourite musher.”

Fans place bids through the online auction on the Yukon Quest website, which will be live until Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. PT.

Included in the Quest Guest experience for 2015? Lunch with your musher on Feb. 5, a special access pass to the staging area before the race start at Shipyards Park Feb. 7, a ride in a “tag sled” with your musher for the first 2.4 km of the race, and more.

Mushers may also choose to add additional items or experiences to their online auction at any time, so bidders are asked to check back often and see what’s included in each musher’s Quest Guest experience.

The 32nd Yukon Quest begins Feb. 7 in Whitehorse. Rookie Rolland Trowbridge and 2013 rookie of the year Scott Smith are the latest additions to the race, which now has 28 registered mushers.