Fairbanks, AK and Whitehorse, YT – Mushers who embark on the 2020 Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race will be competing for a guaranteed minimum purse of $100,000 USD.

Shayna Hammer, the executive director Yukon office said the $100,000 minimum gives the mushers an expectation when they sign up for the race.

“The $100,000 was decided by the joint boards,” said Hammer. “It is based on what we can responsibly commit to. The purse can continue to increase with more sponsorship.”

The minimum guarantee is based on entry fees and fundraising efforts.

“We hope it goes up and up,” said Hammer.

The top 15 finishing positions will receive a percentage of the prize money.

The winner of the Quest will receive 18.93 per cent of the final purse.

The Quest Guest Program earnings will be distributed evenly among all official finishers on top of the purse earnings.

The purse announcement comes before the official 2020 Sign Up Day, scheduled for August 3. In 2019, the purse totalled $115,000 with the Quest Guest Program bringing in $5,618.

“Funds for the purse, as well as operational costs to run the race, are raised through sponsorship and fundraising,” states John Dixon, president of the Alaska board of directors. “We’re grateful to have sponsors return each year and we will continue to work hard to secure as many additional sponsors as possible. If we see an increase in overall sponsorship and fundraising, we’ll revisit the purse amount.”

There are many sponsorship opportunities available with the Yukon Quest, including Veterinarian Team Sponsor, Volunteer and Checkpoint Sponsors, as well as Official Suppliers. Those wishing to sponsor or donate funds or materials can contact either Yukon Quest office.

“We value our business community who step up each year to support this race,” said Bev Regier, president of the Yukon board of directors. “These businesses, along with those individuals who donate their time and money are what allows this race to continue every year. We’re looking forward to another great race in 2020.”

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

Mushers can sign-up in person on August 3rd at the office in Fairbanks from 12-2 p.m., or at the office in Whitehorse from 1-3p.m. All mushers who officially sign up on Saturday will be entered into a draw to win back their $1,300 USD entry fee.

In Fairbanks, fans will have a chance to meet mushers signing up for both Yukon Quest races. In Whitehorse, sign-up day will run alongside Yukon Quest BarkFest which gets underway at 11 a.m., and runs until 3 p.m. It includes a BBQ, contests and a chance to meet some of the mushers signing up for the 2020 race.

The 37th Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race starts Saturday, Feb. 1 in Fairbanks.