The Yukon Quest already had to shorten the Yukon Quest 300 due to reports of difficult trail conditions. The decision to shorten the YQ300 was made on Jan. 18. The mushers in the 300 race will start in Whitehorse and travel to Braeburn before looping back to Whitehorse via Coghlan Lake. With the changes, the distance will be shortened to less than 200 miles. As well, a time restriction will be implemented on slower teams.

Race marshal Doug Harris was reached over the phone and says the changes to the YQ300 was disappointing for the mushers.

“The mushers had a decision if they wanted to continue with the Quest 300,” said Harris. “A lot of the mushers use the 300 to qualify for next year’s 1,000 mile race. I cannot say for sure on the number who have dropped out for this specific reason but some mushers have dropped out of the race.”

Coming on the heels of this announcement, it was announced yesterday that the Yukon Quest 1,000 mile race will also have to be altered. Due to low amounts of snow, mushers will travel to Braeburn, before being trucked to Carmacks.

“It is what it is,” said Harris. “We have to do what is safe for the dogs and the mushers.”

Even if trail conditions change and a significant amount of snow falls, the new course will not be changed to the originally planned route.

“We will not go back to the original plan,” said Harris. “The start of the race is getting to close too keep making changes. There is a lot of small wheels involved in logistics, such as checkpoints and food drops that we need time to prepare for.”

The mushers will have the choice of starting with eight to 14 dogs.

“The rules state a musher must start with eight dogs,” said Harris. “We are giving them the leeway to run eight to 14 dogs. On a bad trail, it is better to have less dogs, as the team is easier to control. We are leaving it up to the mushers though because they know their teams better.”

Once the mushers reach Braeburn they have a mandatory 12 hours to get to Carmacks, and then to start the race again.

“We put the 12 hours in to put the time schedule in line with a normal race,” said Harris. “A musher’s 12 hours begins when they reach Braeburn. That gives them time to travel to Carmacks, and then make any further preparations to their team. Once the 12 hours is up they can continue the race as planned.”

The only other section of trail causing Harris concern is between Carmacks and Pelly Crossing due to ice but says the trail breakers are out there now ensuring the trail is as safe as possible for the dogs and mushers.

“As of now the Rangers are out there working on the trails, and they are all really experienced,” said Harris.

“Sometimes there are sections of trail no one has been on until the trail breakers get there, but the mushers know there is going to be tough trail.”

In Dawson City, since there is no government-approved ice bridge, the Dawson City dog yard will be located on Bonanza Road for the second year due to the current river conditions.