Whitehorse, YT – The last of the paddlers in the 2025 Yukon River Quest crossed the finish line in Carmacks yesterday after organizers shortened the race due to wildfires near Dawson City.
Despite the disruption, 85 of 90 teams that left Whitehorse early Wednesday made it to Carmacks. That marks a 94 per cent finish rate which organizers say is well above historical averages.
Racers steadily arrived at the finish throughout the day yesterday, many sunburnt, sore and relieved, as volunteers and fellow paddlers cheered them in.
Voyageur team Green Machine was the first to finish, completing the race in 20 hours and 12 minutes, 12 minutes ahead of two-person canoe duo Mike and Steve and the Estonian Vikings in a double kayak.
A wildfire was visible near 30 Mile during the race, but calm weather contributed to strong results across the board.
