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LifeFairbanks · February 13, 2026

Fairbanks sends them out

Six mushers launched the 2026 Yukon Quest Alaska 750 from downtown Fairbanks near the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

Daily Alaska staff · February 13, 2026 · Fairbanks

The 2026 Yukon Quest Alaska 750 started in downtown Fairbanks, with six mushers leaving from outside the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Jason Mackey was first off the line, heading into a 750 mile route through Interior Alaska.

The field this year is smaller than in past Quest years, with only six mushers running the full 750 mile race. Fans lined the start chute in sunny conditions to watch the teams roll out of town.

Alongside the main race, eight more mushers launched on the 80 mile Fun Run, a shorter course toward Pleasant Valley and back. The smaller turnout stood out against past years, but the downtown atmosphere stayed energetic.

The Yukon Quest Alaska 750 remains a major winter event for Fairbanks and the Interior, drawing mushers, fans and visitors to the city each year the race runs.

In this story

Questions people ask

Where did the 2026 Yukon Quest start?

Six mushers launched from downtown Fairbanks near the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

How many mushers ran the full 750 mile race?

Six mushers took on the full 750 mile route through Interior Alaska.

Who started first?

Jason Mackey was first off the line.

Was there a shorter race option?

Yes. Eight more mushers ran the 80 mile Fun Run toward Pleasant Valley and back.

Evidence

Sources

Claims and where they come from

Produced with AI assistance, narrated with Slav Lund's voice clone with his consent, and reviewed by a person before publishing. How we use AI →

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