The Yukon Quest International Association (Canada) is proud to announce our team leads for the 2023 Yukon Quest races beginning February 11, 2023, in Whitehorse.

Dr. Kate Foster of Valdez, Alaska, will be the Head Veterinarian for the Yukon Quest 450, Yukon Quest 250 and Yukon Quest 100 this winter. Foster has previously volunteered with the Quest in 2004, 2006, and 2010 through 2014.

“I love sled dogs and I love the Great (White) North,” Foster said. “(I’m looking forward to) seeing old friends and getting back to working with sled dogs.”

For Foster, excellence in dog care revolves around attention paid to each dog.

“The most important aspect of excellent dog care is the musher’s attention to each individual dog,” Foster said. “Providing quality nutrition, quality supplements … and watching for the earliest signs of injury and illness. Prevention is always the best medicine.”

Foster added that there are many examples of mushers diligently caring for and massaging their dogs on cold, dark and windy nights despite their own fatigue during races like the Quest.

The YQIA is also pleased to announce Jerry Joinson as the Race Marshal for our 2023 races. Joinson is a two-time Quest finisher, tackling the 1,000-mile course in both 2011 and 2014.

“I want to see this great race from the other side of the fence,” Joinson said, adding that watching the teams and being around like-minded people adds to the experience.

For Foster, Joinson and their teams, a successful race will be one where all the dogs and mushers have a competitive, challenging and safe race.

“I would like to see every team cross the finish line,” Joinson said.

The Yukon Quest 450 starts at Shipyards Park in Whitehorse on Saturday, February 11, 2023, followed immediately by the Yukon Quest 250 and Yukon Quest 100.

The YQIA is holding a Rookie Workshop on Saturday, October 22, 2022, free for registered Quest mushers and available to members of the public for $5.