Doug Grilliot has been named race marshal for the 2008 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race.Grilliot replaces Joe May, who was appointed race marshal in the fall and recently resigned from the position.A longtime musher, Grilliot is a two-time Yukon Quest finisher, in 2001, 2002. He completed the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 2004. Grilliot has been a Yukon Quest race judge for the past two years and had been selected as a race judge for the 2008 race.He also has served as a member of the Alaska Board of Directors since 2006.The Yukon Quest race marshal is in charge of all aspects of the race, which starts Feb. 9 in Fairbanks and runs approximately 1,000 miles to Whitehorse, Yukon. The race marshal specifically makes certain that all race rules are followed and ensures the safety and well-being of the dogs and mushers. Race judges on the trail act as deputies of the race marshal.“It’s an honor to be asked to serve as race marshal,” Grilliot said. “Obviously the resignation of Joe May is unfortunate, however, I have had the benefit of working closely with him and the Yukon Quest staff over the past few months preparing for the upcoming race.”“We look forward to working with Doug Grilliot in the final weeks before the race start to put everything in place and get the teams on the trail,” said Tania Simpson, Yukon Quest managing director. “Doug’s deep understanding of the Yukon Quest from a musher’s, board member’s and race judge’s perspective is an excellent asset that he brings to the role of race marshal and we are fortunate that he has stepped up to accept this challenging role for our organization.”Twenty-seven teams are registered to start the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race on Feb. 9 in Fairbanks. For more information and regular race updates, please visit www.yukonquest.com.To read the original story, please follow the link: http://newsminer.com/2008/01/18/10953/
