Yukon Quest

Having volunteered for numerous other races and events around western Canada I can honestly say the Yukon Quest is far and away the best for being organized and looking after their volunteers. I am preparing to head back to Scroggie Creek for a second year.

Greg Morton, Alberta, Canada

Grilliot Takes Over as Race Marshal for 2013 Yukon Quest

The 2013 race team has been chosen for the Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race.

Doug Grilliot, a resident of Willow, Alaska, will lead the team as Race Marshal. Doug brings a strong and unique background of sled dog racing, officiating and management experience to the Yukon Quest. He previously held the position of Race Marshal for the 2008 and 2009 races.

He is a two-time Yukon Quest veteran, finishing the race in 2001 and 2002, and completed the Iditarod in 2004. He has been a Yukon Quest board member for multiple terms, and was a Race Official in 2006 and 2007.

This past year, he served as Race Marshal of the YQ300.

“It is a privilege to be invited back as the Race Marshal for the 30th running of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race,” said Grilliot. “I am very much looking forward to the 2013 Yukon Quest and working with the mushers, staff, veterinarians and especially all of our tremendous volunteers. I anticipate the 30th annual Yukon Quest to be one of our most memorable yet and look forward to seeing all of the fans of this great race out on the trail.”

Returning as Head Veterinarian for the Yukon Quest is Dr. Kathleen McGill. Dr. McGill has been caring for the stars of the YQ – the dogs – for 12 years. This will be her fourth year as head veterinarian. She currently resides in Gahanna, Ohio, and has volunteered her time as a veterinarian for numerous other sled dog races, including the Iditarod.

Leading the logistics team is Alaskan Alex Olesen, who has been hired as Race Manager for the 2013 event. Olesen has been on the Yukon Quest Board of Directors since 2008. He was also Race Manager in 2007, and has been an Assistant Race Manager for both the Yukon and Alaska. Whether through working, volunteering, or just watching from the sidelines, Olesen has been drawn to the race for more than 20 years.

Rounding out the logistics team is Assistant Race Manager Alex Brook. This will be the third straight year in that position for the Dawson City resident.

“We are very happy to have our race team in place for the 2013 Yukon Quest,” said Marti Steury, Executive Director of the Alaska office. “Doug has extensive experience in the dog mushing world, and I know he will do an incredible job as Race Marshal. His knowledge, combined with the expertise of Dr. McGill and the passion of Alex Olesen and Alex Brook, will help make the 30th annual Yukon Quest the best one to date.”