Photo: Courtesy of the Yukon Quest
Whitehorse, YT – For the first time in its history, the Yukon Quest will begin in Teslin, shifting its route for 2025 and bringing new excitement to communities along the trail that have never hosted the race before.
The decision to shift away from the traditional route was driven by unpredictable ice conditions that have made the original trail unsafe in recent years.
“I think that we have a really good route this year,” said Sarah Tomlin, Race Operations Manager. “Although the route has changed, I think we can still put on a world-class event and just bring that excitement back.”
This year’s trail features a 175-mile and a 450-mile race. Both start in Teslin, with the 185-mile ending in Ross River and the 450-mile continuing to Faro before looping back to Teslin.
For the communities of Teslin, Ross River and Faro, the 2025 race is a chance to show off their hospitality. Tomlin says students at Ross River School were painting the windows with Yukon Quest-themed art.
“Obviously the communities that have had it before have always done a really great job, and we’re super appreciative of that, but these communities are stepping up in the exact same way,” said Tomlin.
Cole Hunking, owner of the Yukon Motel and Restaurant in Teslin, has been preparing his RV park to accommodate 21 mushers expected to stay there ahead of the race and once they finish.
“It’s all pretty exciting,” said Hunking. “It’ll be neat to see once everybody’s set up and getting ready to go.”
Tomlin says plans to return to Dawson City in future races are in the works.
The race starts in Teslin at 1 pm.
