The Yukon Quest, the 1,000-mile international sled-dog race in Alaska and the Yukon Territory, has announced that former race marshal Doug Harris will be returning for the 2018 race.
Harris, a Canadian and resident of Whitehorse, where the race will end this year, previously served as race marshal in 2000 and 2001, in addition to serving as a race judge in 1999, a rules committee member in 2003, and Yukon Quest 300 race marshal in 2009. He also completed the Yukon Quest as a musher in 1996, when he won the Challenge of the North Award for perseverance, and 1998.
In a press release, Harris said he looks forward to working with other officials to continue improving the safety and success of the race.
Other veteran officials will be joining Harris this year. Head vet Dr. Nina Hansen returns for her fourth year in that position. Race manager Alex Oleson returns for his sixth consecutive year in the position, having previously served as assistant race manager, board member, and volunteer. And Brianna Mackay returns for her fourth year as assistant race manager.
Harris takes over from last year’s race marshal Fabian Schmitz and from Doug Grilliot, who was race marshal for five years before Schmitz.
The 2018 Yukon Quest begins February 3rd in Fairbanks.
Image at top: A dog team leaves the starting chute of the Yukon Quest in Whitehorse, February 9th, 2003. (Photo: Public domain)
