Yukon Quest Sanctioned Qualifying Races
Yukon Quest mushers must have a demonstrated ability to complete a long-distance sled-dog race. Qualifying races must be completed within 42 months of the start of the Yukon Quest Race entered.
Rookie drivers must be able to provide verification of their completion of one 300 mile Yukon Quest International (YQI) sanctioned race and one other YQI sanctioned race of at least 200 miles (500 miles minimum).
- Completing at least 300 miles of the Yukon Quest or the Iditarod will fulfill the 300 mile requirement.
- Yukon Quest entrants who reach Dawson City will be considered to have fulfilled both qualifiers.
- Iditarod Finishers are qualified to enter the Yukon Quest.
Qualifiers must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Must be eligible distance (200 miles or more, OR 300 miles or more for 300 qualifiers)
- Must be a continuous-run race (stage races do not qualify)
- Must have a written set of Rules.
- Must have a Race Marshal overseeing the rules and the conduct of the race.
- Must have a Vet Program to ensure good canine care.
- Must support independent travel (no outside assistance allowed)
It is suggested that all races honor YQ censures.
* No race allowing outside assistance (optional or not) will be approved or accepted as a qualifier for the 2014 Yukon Quest.*
The following races are sanctioned qualifiers for the 2012 Yukon Quest based on their 2011 rules.
Qualifier status is subject to change depending on outcome of each race or any changes for the 2012 season.
Other races wishing to become a qualifier for the Yukon Quest 2012 race must have their applications and renewals submitted by the 3rd Friday of October to be approved by the 2nd Wednesday of November.
| Races qualifying as 200 miles | Miles | Location |
| CALEDONIA CLASSIC | 200M | British Columbia, Canada |
| CAN-AM CROWN INTERNATIONAL | 250M | Maine, US |
| DON BOWERS MEMORIAL | 200M | Alaska, US |
| EAGLE CAP 200 | 200M | Oregon, US |
| FEMUNDLOPET 400K | 248M | Norway |
| GIN GIN 200 | 250M | Maine, US |
| HUDSON BAY QUEST | 250M | Manitoba, Canada |
| KNIK 200 | 200M | Alaska, US |
| PERCY De WOLFE MEMORIAL MAIL RACE | 210M | Yukon, Canada / Alaska, US |
| SEELEY LAKE 200 | 200M | Montana, US |
| TUSTUMENA 200 | 200M | Alaska, US |
| TWO RIVERS 200 | 200M | Alaska, US |
| Races qualifying as 300 miles | Miles | Location |
| CANADIAN CHALLENGE *12 dogs class only*
Mushers wishing to use this race as a qualifier will need to inform the Canadian Challenge organisation prior to Start day, AND get written proof from the race officials confirming they did not receive any form of assistance during the entire duration of the race. |
300M | Saskatchewan, Canada |
| COPPER BASIN 300 | 300M | Alaska, US |
| DON BOWERS MEMORIAL RACE | 300M | Alaska, US |
| FEMUNDLOPET 600K | 372M | Norway |
| FINNMARKSLOPET 500K | 312M | Norway |
| FINNMARKSLOPET 1000K | 625M | Norway |
| IDITAROD TRAIL SLED DOG RACE | 300Mof | Alaska, US |
| KLONDIKE 300 | 300M | Alaska, US |
| KOBUK 440 | 440M | Alaska, US |
| KUSKOKWIM 300 | 300M | Alaska, US |
| NORTHERN LIGHTS 300 (formerly the Willow-Tug 300) | 300M | Alaska, US |
|
Mushers wishing to use this race as a qualifier will need to inform the Race to the Sky organisation prior to Start day, AND get written proof from the race officials confirming they did not receive any form of assistance during the entire duration of the race. |
350M | Montana, US |
|
Mushers wishing to use this race as a qualifier will need to inform the Seney 300 organisation race prior to Start day, AND get written proof from the race officials confirming they did not receive any form of assistance during the entire duration of the race. |
300M | Michigan, US |
| TAIGA 300 | 300M | Alaska, US |
| YUKON QUEST |
300Mof |
Alaska, US / Yukon, Canada |
| YUKON QUEST 300 | 300M | Alaska, US / Yukon, Canada |
SLED DOG RACE ORGANIZERS
If you are the organizer of a sled dog race that is interested in applying to become an Official Qualifier of the Yukon Quest, please see the Application Process.
