YQ: Start Videos

Allen led out with Kodiak and Commando, in swing was Junior and Dutch followed by Izzy and Mismo, Spark and Amber, Nomex and Rodney, Daisy and Champ, with Chipper and Felix in wheel.



"We race the Yukon Quest because it truly tests our skills as survivalists, racers, athletes and most of all, dog people. Sure, it is a competition and we hope to win. But true success will be determined by what happens in those 1,000 miles. There are many, many footsteps and even more paw prints that it will touch the ground before reaching the finish line. There are many stories that go along with the paw prints but many of them will be swallowed up by the trail. A ‘normal’ day on the Yukon Quest is anything but normal.

It is incredibly exciting to mush down the trail around corners, following your team, always ready to greet the next adventure. Our dogs are the brave ones who meet every situation head on literally. They are true, proud and adventurous individuals. Yes, some dogs are more ‘followers’ but the vast majority of our dogs are curious, motivated and determined. (Gee… where do they get that from?)

Getting to the starting line is a tremendous achveivement. A win in itself. But the pressure at the starting line is intense. Have we conditioned and trained our dogs the best we could? Have we given them optimum nutrition and peak health care? Do we have the best dog booties, coats and other dog gear to make their jobs easier? Are we ready and prepared to help our team the best we possible can?

Then it is 3 – 2 – 1 – GO!"


Aliy led out with Violet and Tinder, Chena and Woody in swing followed by Scooter and Schmoe, Iron and Driver, Outlaw and Hotshot with Ginger and Ernie in wheel.



Wendy was wearing a GoPro for the first 1.5 miles so I will edit that up and get it to you as soon as I can.