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Paddlers race to the midnight sun in annual Yukon River Quest
WHITEHORSE – More than 200 athletes from 14 countries are preparing for the latest gruelling quest in Yukon.
Canoe, kayak and voyageur teams are being joined by 12 stand-up paddlers for the 18th running of the Yukon River Quest.
Paddlers must complete the 715 kilometre trek down the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson, including Five Finger rapids, the only whitewater stretch, about halfway through the course.
The president of the Yukon association running the race says conditions in Whitehorse this week have been excellent but he hopes that won’t make out-of-town paddlers unwary.
Harry Kern says Yukon weather is notoriously variable and, when it’s nasty on race day, visiting participants often top up on clothing or supplies they might not have packed otherwise.
The race was scheduled to begin Wednesday and if paddlers complete the course in 55 hours or less, the top three teams in each category share a $35,000 purse. (CKRW)
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