Mushers and dogs took off from Whitehorse on February 11th to participate in the Yukon Quest 100 mile, 250 mile, and 450 mile races
YUKON – It was a shortened race length this year for the Yukon Quest but, that didn’t stop mushers was making the race competitive.
The final musher in the Yukon Quest 450 arrived in Dawson City on the morning of February 16, 2023.
Michelle Phillips won the YQ450 race in commanding fashion leading the pack at all time stations. Mille Porsild and her team finished second with 8 dogs 12 hours later.
One hour later, Aaron Peck arrived at 9:13 PM with 10 dogs. He remarked on the excellent Yukon hospitality at all checkpoints and time stations, especially at Stepping Stone.
Then, in the YQ250, Aiyana O’Shaughnessy won the YQ250 after crossing the finish line at Pelly Crossing at 12:55 p.m. on February 13th. Aiyana finished with a total of 12 dogs. O’Shaughnessy works at the Tagish Lakes Kennels as a handler and prides herself around dogs.
Michael Burtnik came with 9 dogs at 3:15 p.m., finishing in 2nd place. His spouse was waiting for him at the finish line with their fifteen-month-old child.
Jess Sears of Dog Song Rising crossed the finish line for the YQ250 just before midnight on February 13th. Sears showed up with eight dogs. The temperature fell, and the northern lights danced in all their beauty.
Over in the YQ100, mushers and their crews crossed the finish line in Braeburn shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 12th. The pack was led by Luc Tweddell, who was followed by Jonathon Lucas and Nate Metzen. Deborah Knight and her team arrived at 4:34 a.m. with eight dogs.
