Frequently Asked Questions
How is the trail marked and what will I encounter on the way?
The trail is very well marked with flagging tape approximately every 0.5 km (0.3 mile). In addition, volunteers patrol the trail and are posted at key spots along the way to help ensure runners stay on course.
In addition to beautiful scenery and challenging terrain, you will encounter aid stations with water, sports drink and food (and lots of friendly volunteers) at the end of each leg (that is, at km 7, 17.5, 28.5) as well as at the start/finish of the race. There are also water stations at intermediary points between checkpoints.
Port-a-potties are available at the race start/finish, across from the float plane dock (Leg 1), at the end of leg 2, and at the Schwatza Lake Boat Launch (Leg 4).
Who is eligible to enter the Open, Masters and Masters P categories?
Runners between the ages of 14 and 39 years on race day fall in the Open category. The Masters category is for runners who are between the ages of 40 and 49 years on race day, and the Masters P category is for anyone who is 50 years of age or older on race day.
What happened to the 2-person relay?
Interest in the 2-person relay has declined significantly since the race began. In 2008 only three 2-person teams registered. The race organizing committee decided to combine 2-person and 4-person relays under one category (4-person).
Can teams of two or three people run the relay?
Yes. However, the on-line registration for the relay only allows a runner to sign up for a single leg. When you pick up your race package, please let organizers know which team member is running which leg or legs.
If you want to run the "classic" 2-person relay, then one person should run legs 1 and 2, and the second person should run legs 3 and 4.
You will be pleased to know that the runner who runs two legs only pays one registration fee!
What are the take-homes from the race?
Every year the runners receive a take home souvenir of the race - usually a garment with a retail value of about $50.00. Those who run the marathon and half-marathon races will also receive a medallion with the Yukon River Trail Marathon logo.
Trophies will be presented to the top three female and male marathon and half-marathon participants in the categories: open, master and master plus. Medals will be awarded to each runner in the top three teams for the relay in the three categories: male, female and mixed.
When will the results be posted?
Results will be posted in Rotary Park shortly after the close of the race at 2:30; they will also be posted on the web site.
How do I get to Whitehorse?
If you are coming from outside the territory, the best way to get to Whitehorse is to fly. Our sponsor, Air North, has great service and flights from Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, and Vancouver, BC. For more information, visit their web site, www.flyairnorth.com.
Air Canada also has non-stop flights from Vancouver.
Where can I stay in Whitehorse?
Rotary Park, where the race starts and finishes, is located in downtown Whitehorse, in easy walking distance from several downtown hotels. There are also a couple of hostels and several B&Bs in the downtown core. For more information on tourist accommodation and other things to do in Whitehorse besides running, visit www.touryukon.com.
How can I familiarize myself with the course?
Evening training runs for legs 2, 3 and 4 are held during the four weeks leading up to the race. Click here for dates and times for our Thursday night trail runs.
What type of sport drink is available on the course?
GU. It's available at the Miles Canyon Bridge (checkpoints 2 and 4) and Chadburn Lake (checkpoint 3).