Race Finish: Fairbanks

Fairbanks: The Golden Heart Finish

The arrival in Fairbanks marks the completion of a grueling journey through some of the most unforgiving terrain in North America. As the "Golden Heart City," Fairbanks has served as the traditional terminus (or starting point) for interior Alaska’s greatest endurance tests since the gold rush era.

Crossing the finish line here is more than a sporting achievement; it is a tribute to the historic supply lines that once linked the remote camps of the Yukon and Tanana valleys to the outside world. From the treacherous heights of Eagle Summit to the windswept flats of the Yukon River, the trail culminates in the warmth of Alaska’s second-largest city, where the frontier meets modern civilization.

As the 2026 Yukon Quest Alaska 750 draws to a close, we extend our deepest gratitude to the mushers, the tireless canine athletes, and the dedicated volunteers who made this journey possible. This year's trek from the frozen expanses of the Yukon River to the peaks of the Interior has once again proven the unbreakable bond between human and dog. We thank the communities along the trail, from the checkpoints at Mile 101 and Central to the riverside welcomes in Circle and Fort Yukon, for their unwavering hospitality. 

Whether you joined us under the shimmer of the Aurora Borealis or cheered from the banks of the Chena River, you are part of the heartbeat of this race. 

Congratulations to all who faced the trail; the "Golden Heart City" celebrates your tenacity and welcomes you home.