BREAKING: The Yukon Quest Alaska (YQA) has officially opened registration for its highly anticipated 2026 races, featuring a thrilling 750-mile and an 80-mile event. On Saturday, excitement filled the YQA headquarters as mushers gathered to secure their spots in the competitions, which will commence on February 7, 2026.
This year marks a significant change for the race, as the 750-mile route is the longest it has been since the division from the traditional 1,000-mile international race. Among the first to sign up for the grueling challenge were last year’s champion Jeff Deter, veteran musher Jason Mackey, and rookie Shane Blumentritt. They joined fellow competitors Josie Shelley and Jonah Bacon in a spirited atmosphere filled with camaraderie and anticipation.
The registration fee was set at $1,000 for a limited time, and all who signed up on this first day were entered into a raffle for a chance to win $500 back. As of December 19, the entry fee will rise to $1,250, with a late fee of $1,500 thereafter.
“The interior has some of the best terrain, the longest terrain, and the toughest terrain. We have the mileage, we just need to use it,” stated Lisa Mackey, YQA Board Chair, highlighting the race’s new longer route which will traverse traditional trails to Circle, Fort Yukon, and beyond.
As mushers enjoyed coffee and shared stories after signing up, the thrill of the upcoming race was palpable. Deter expressed his excitement for the new trail, stating, “When they mentioned it was gonna be a couple hundred miles longer and we’re gonna take a different trail that we haven’t seen before, it was like great.”
Mackey, who has participated in various YQA events, emphasized the unique challenges the Yukon Quest presents compared to other races like the Iditarod. “I can honestly say the Iditarod is nothing compared to this race,” he remarked, setting the stage for an intense competition.
Rookie musher Blumentritt drove from the Caribou Hills on the Kenai Peninsula, eager to gain experience ahead of qualifying for the Iditarod. “I think it’s a good way for people that are wanting to do a thousand-mile race to kind of get their toes wet,” he shared, echoing the sentiments of many newcomers.
In addition to the 750-mile race, the 80-mile “fun run” aims to attract younger participants, with four mushers already signed up for this shorter event.
Amid the excitement, the YQA Board recently held a special meeting to address Rule 37 regarding the dog limit for the 750-mile race. The limit, traditionally set at 14 dogs, was briefly changed to 12 dogs but was reverted back after discussions. The meeting sparked controversy due to rumors surrounding Brent Sass, a four-time Quest champion who faced disqualification from the 2024 Iditarod due to serious allegations. Mackey clarified that while the topic was raised, it was not the focus of the meeting.
As the race approaches, all eyes will be on the Yukon Quest, with mushers preparing for one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in the world of dog mushing. The anticipation is building, and fans are encouraged to follow the developments leading up to this historic event.
Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to the 2026 Yukon Quest continues.
