Please note: Two mushers switched bibs and positions – Jessie Royer is now is Bib 74 in position 23. Rolf Meili wears Bib 65 in position 15.

All 23 Yukon Quest 300 teams are now making their way towards Braeburn Checkpoint. The 300-mile race is a recognized qualifying race for the 1000-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race as well as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Having a field of 23 competitors in this qualifying race in 2011 bodes well for high entrants in the longer races in upcoming years.

The 300 attracted some very experienced long distance mushers this year. Yukon Quest winner Aliy Zirkle (2000) and veterans Gerry Willomitzer and Ed Hopkins are in the line up as well as Jessie Royer, an Iditarod finisher.

The Yukon Quest 300 finish line is in Pelly Crossing. We’ll keep you updated; it’s bound to be a fast and competitive race.