Covering 1,000 miles / 1,600 kilometers between Whitehorse (Yukon Territory) and Fairbanks (Alaska) during the depths of the Arctic winter, the Yukon Quest is the "Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World."

The trail runs through isolated villages, across frozen rivers, and over four mountain ranges. Hazards include 100 mph / 160 kph winds, -40° temperatures (F or C, take your pick), open water and rotten ice.

A century ago this was the "highway" to the northern frontier and the Klondike Gold Rush. Each February it comes alive again as hundreds of sled dogs - all elite canine athletes - retrace the steps of early adventurers through some of the North's most extreme conditions.

Teams of one human "musher" and 14 dogs carry mandatory food, equipment and supplies throughout the race. Sleds cannot be replaced and help cannot be accepted (except at Dawson City - the half way point).

The record time was set in 1995 by Frank Turner of Whitehorse - his team crossed the finish line in just 10 days, 16 hours and 20 minutes. The closest finish was in 1991, when the first and second teams came in just 5 minutes apart!

Every musher's first duty is to the dogs and there is a strong bond between dog and driver. Dogs get the best of care and 15 veterinarians are on hand to closely monitor and attend dogs should problems arise.