Fairbanks flocks to Yukon Quest Alaska for the start of inaugural 550 race [Video]

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU) – Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Fairbanks to witness the launch of the annual Yukon Quest Alaska dog mushing race. The historic and challenging feat operating under the Yukon Quest Alaska banner for the fourth year.

Residents and tourists alike surrounded the starting line at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center where the mushing teams for the 550- and 200-mile races took at 11 a.m.

“It’s great to have a dog race here in town,” said Lizzy Hahn, a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. “This is my third year coming, so I’ve been coming since I’ve been in Fairbanks.”

Hahn said it was important that Fairbanks gets to have their own big dog race since Anchorage gets to see the start of the Iditarod.

“The community loves it,” Hahn said, adding that the whole community comes out and everyone brings their friends along for the …