The Yukon Quest organization is searching for an executive director, while musher sign-ups continue for the 2019 race.

Last week (Nov. 1), the organization announced the departure of Natalie Haltrich after three years. She previously served on the board of directors for two years, in addition to working on the trail as a handler, volunteer, and checkpoint manager at Carmacks.

Meanwhile, 27 mushers have signed up so far for the thousand-mile race from Whitehorse, Yukon, to Fairbanks — the largest field since 2013. Last year’s winner, Allen Moore of Two Rivers, will return alongside four-time champion Hans Gatt, 2017 winner Matt Hall, and 2015 champ Brent Sass. As of today, 13 other veterans and ten rookies are set to run. The deadline for sign-ups is November 30.

A minimum purse of $115,000 will be split between the top 15 finishers.

The 36th Annual Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race begins on February 2.

Image at top: A dogsled team in the Yukon Quest leaves Slaven’s Roadhouse, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska. Photo Credit: National Park Service (2013).