Outdoors/Adventure

VIDEO: 'YQ 2014: The Story'

It's known to devotees as the toughest race in the world. It's been a proving ground for some of the biggest names in the sport. Yet many mushing fans have never had the opportunity to see the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race in person.

Shot by the race's media team -- Tom Barber, Mark Gillett and Heidi McGuire -- "YQ: The Story" takes viewers behind the scenes at the far north 1,000-mile sled dog race that crosses the border between Alaska and Yukon Territory each February. Filmed on the trail of the 2014 race and debuted Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Finish and Awards Banquet, the short film offers a glimpse not just of the mushers who brave the trail but of the family members, volunteers, officials, handlers and fans who are just as much a part of the race's culture. From tender moments between husband-and-wife team Allen Moore and Aliy Zirkle to footage of exhausted but exhilirated trail officials to sprawling northern landscapes -- and, of course, lots and lots of dogs -- "YQ: The Story" gives viewers a peek at the human (and canine) moments that have earned the race a devoted fan base.

See more of the Quest media team's work on YouTube, at Mark Gillett's blog and on the Quest's Flickr stream.

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