Frequently asked questions
What is the Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race?
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Established in 1977, the Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race honours the legendary "Iron Man of the North," who delivered mail between Dawson City, Yukon, and Eagle, Alaska, from 1910 to 1949. The race celebrates northern history, endurance, sportsmanship, and the incredible bond between mushers and their dogs. Find out more here
Where does the race take place?
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The race takes place in Dawson City, Yukon, following historic trails along the Yukon River. Depending on the race category, participants travel through the beautiful Klondike wilderness toward historic destinations such as Forty Mile before returning to Dawson City. Find out more here
What race categories are available?
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The Percy offers a variety of dog-powered racing categories, including traditional dogsledding, skijoring, and an open category that welcomes activities such as bikejoring, kicksledding, and canicross. Race distances, team sizes, and available categories may vary from year to year. Find out more here
How do I register for the race?
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Registration is completed through our online sign-up form, available on our website when registration opens. Spaces are limited, and entries are secured once payment is received. If a category fills up, additional applicants may be placed on a waitlist.
Do I need previous racing experience to participate?
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We welcome participants of varying experience levels! Whether you're new to dog-powered sports or an experienced racer, there may be a category suited to you and your team. All participants should be physically prepared for challenging northern conditions and familiar with the requirements of their chosen race.
What are the requirements for participating dogs?
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All participating dogs must be healthy, appropriately conditioned, and have proof of current Parvovirus, Distemper, and Rabies vaccinations. Animal welfare is a top priority, and all competitors are expected to follow the race rules and maintain the highest standards of canine care. Find out more here
Can I watch the race or volunteer?
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Absolutely! Spectators are welcome to cheer on competitors, and volunteers are essential to making the Percy possible. Whether you'd like to help with race preparations, assist at checkpoints, or support the event in another way, we'd love to hear from you!
To get involved, reach out here
What makes the Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race special?
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The Percy is more than just a race; it's a living tribute to Yukon's history. In keeping with tradition, a musher carries a special bag of letters and postcards along the historic mail route once travelled by Percy DeWolfe. It's a celebration of northern resilience, community spirit, and the remarkable partnership between humans and their dogs.