The Yukon Quest International Association is beginning their search for a new Executive Director for the Whitehorse office.

The present director, Sue Thomas, is resigning effective April 5, 2012.

Thomas helped organize the 2012 race, which the international office referred to as one of the best in recent memory in a press release issued yesterday.

"The 2012 race had 1,000 miles of good trail, no major issues or incidents and a great team of race officials, volunteers and race personnel. The board wishes Sue all the best in her future endeavors.”

Thomas said she's leaving the position to focus on selling her property on Vancouver Island.

"It could take a couple months to get done and the Quest indicated that they couldn't give me that time off so our priority is to sell our property so we can continue to move forward and get settled in the Yukon,” she said.

"Life on the trail was pretty exciting, intense, and interesting. It's a memory I'll cherish forever. It was a good experience and I regret that it can't carry on into the future but I have to prioritize getting life in order and that includes selling the property on the island.”

Thomas praised the dedication of the mushers and the experience of being part of the Quest.

"Everyone put a lot of effort into it and a lot of good people worked on it, the end result was great.

"It is a lot of work for the mushers, the preparation, the training, the sacrifice, the amount of time. And on the trail, the effort and endurance that it takes, I really admire that.

"Every relationship is special and here were people I saw that I really admired.

Allen Moore was a true gentleman all the way through and then to watch his wife (Aliy Zirkle) also place second in the Iditarod with the same team, I really admire the dedication and effort that took.”

Thomas also praised Russian musher and red-lantern winner Michael Telpin.

"He went into this with nine dogs not knowing what he was in for and he preserved and I really admire the strength to do that. To meet the Russian contingent was a real privilege.”

Thomas said the Russian contingent is hoping to send more musher's next year.

"The mystery and challenge of the Quest draws people in and to see that they want to come back and do it, it's just the magnificence of this event, it hooks people in for sure.”

The 30th running of the Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race starts in Whitehorse on February 2, 2013.