Thanks to a new major sponsor, the Yukon Quest has been able to guarantee an additional $25,000 for its 2009 purse.

The increase brings the total purse amount to $150,000, which is divided amongst mushers that finish the Quest.

The non-profit organization is hoping to reach $200,000 for this year's purse, but its executive director on the Yukon side said the $25,000 is a good start.

"We still have a significant effort to put in to get to the full value of the purse, which is what we intend to do," said Stephen Reynolds. "We're still working as hard as we can to make up the difference and to secure more sponsorships and to find new fund-raising activities that will generate additional revenues to help cover race expenses."

TransCanada Corporation, which was formally a lead dog sponsor, agreed to increase its support by becoming a major sponsors.

Lead dog sponsors are required to donate a minimum investment of $5,000, while a major sponsor is required to give a minimum of $25,000 U.S.

Reynolds said the Quest was also able to secure additional funding from smaller sponsors that will help cover race expenses, which made it possible to increase the purse to $150,000.

He said the Quest will continue its efforts to raise the remaining money.

"We will be working before, during and after because as soon as this race is over of course we are preparing for 2010 and there is a whole other set of bills to get ready to pay to make sure that race is successful," Reynolds said.