Whitehorse, YT – The 25th anniversary edition of the Yukon River Quest will end in Carmacks due to wildfire concerns near Dawson City, marking the second consecutive year the race has been shortened.
Race organizers say the decision was made Tuesday night following updates from Yukon’s Emergency Measures Organization and Wildland Fire officials. Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association president Jason Biensch says the move is necessary to ensure emergency resources remain available for Dawson.
The race will start as scheduled Wednesday in Whitehorse, with Carmacks now serving as the finish line.
In 2024, the event was also shortened due to wildfires near the North Klondike Highway south of Stewart Crossing.
