Yukon Challenge: The Story of The Yukon Quest

Hans B. Neumann is a history lecturer at Scarborough College, University
of Toronto.

Sled-dog racing has long been a tradition in the far North. But few
races dare to set such a chilling standard: the 1600 or so kilometres
from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, to Fairbanks, Alaska. This is a
challenge accepted by only the most dedicated teams of tough mushers and
their even tougher dogs. In many ways such a race captures one of the
most enduring images we “Southerners” share in our perceptions of
the far North, thanks to TV series like “Sergeant Preston of the
Yukon.”

The multitalented Firth capably relates to the reader the experience of
driving a sled-dog team in often mind-numbing cold and through terrain
that would be impassable for a snowmobile. The first of these races was
held in 1984, but Firth concentrates on the 1988 race (although all
races run to 1990 receive attention). His approach is informal, often
anecdotal, interspersed with frequent quotes from the participants and
observers. This style makes for lively, interesting reading.

Maps of sections of the race help orient the reader, as do sketches of
equipment. In addition, the profuse black-and-white photos help convey
the conditions encountered along the race route. But the real heroes of
the race—the incredibly tenacious and spunky dogs—receive their due
in both the text and the photos.

The paperback concludes with a table of past top finishers and their
times from 1984 through 1990, and a section containing the official race
rules. This beguiling little book would make for ideal reading while
curled up next to the fireplace on a cold winter night.