Yukon Quest scrambles to fill $50K shortfall

Organizers of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race say the event will begin as scheduled in two weeks, despite a $50,000 gap in finances.

The shortfall is the result of a decrease in sponsorship and rising race expenses, but Yukon Quest executive director Wendy Morrison said some last-minute fundraising will make up the difference.

Morrison said the 1,600-kilometre race will still start Feb. 6, with 26 mushers and their dog teams racing from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Whitehorse.

"We certainly don't want anybody to worry. Our [prize] purse is staying at the $150,000 that's been advertised, and the race will happen," she told CBC News on Thursday.

"We think we can definitely pull that off with some last-minute sponsors and a few new initiatives."

Some of those initiatives include an online auction on Quest memorabilia such as tickets to the post-race banquet and autographed bibs from the mushers.

As well, organizers in Whitehorse are holding a fundraising concert featuring Valdy at the Yukon Arts Centre. That event will start on Feb. 6, after the mushers leave the starting gate.

Morrison said volunteers have reported generally good conditions on the race trail, but organizers would like to see a little bit more snow before the race begins.