MEDIA RELEASEFebruary 20, 2010; 9:00 PST (Whitehorse, Yukon) – Jocelyne LeBlanc will receive the Red Lantern award as the final musher to successfully cross the finish line at the 2010 Yukon Quest in Whitehorse.LeBlanc arrived in Whitehorse last night at 21:37 PM, over 13 days after beginning the race on February 6 in Fairbanks, Alaska. Her total race time is 13 days 8 hours and 28 minutes. She arrived with seven dogs on the line. LeBlanc completed the journey with half of her team from Dawson City to Whitehorse.“Every step going over jumble ice I’d think, ‘Come on guys, let’s go slow, let’s go slow,’” LeBlanc explained at the finish line.“My eyes were pretty much popped out of my head for half of the race because I thought, ‘Is he limping?’ The seven dogs actually dragged me through one part of the trail when I was thinking I had it all under control. These seven dogs are pretty strong.”LeBlanc is a rookie musher residing in Whitehorse, Yukon. Red Lantern Award:Sponsored by White Pass & Yukon Route, the last official finisher is presented with a decorative red lantern. The Red Lantern commemorates the tradition of keeping the light on for all mushers still out on the trail. 2010 – Jocelyne LeBlanc Golden Harness Award:Custom-made golden harness donated by Tanzilla Harness Supply and steaks served by the High Country Inn presented to the Champion lead dogs in honor of their loyalty, endurance and perseverance throughout the race. 2010 – Stitch & Kinvig Dawson City Award:Sponsored by Wendy and Joe Fellers of Fell-Hawk Placer. Four ounces of Klondike placer gold presented to the first musher to reach Dawson City and finish the race. The Dawson Award commemorates getting to the Klondike and completing the journey home. 2010 – Hans Gatt Rookie of the Year Award:A northern-made burl box inlaid with malachite and placer gold presented to the highest placing official rookie finisher. A rookie is any musher who has not completed a previous Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. 2010 – Joshua Cadzow Sportsmanship Award:Slice of antler painted with a mushing theme. Presented to the musher who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship along the trail, as selected by their fellow mushers. 2010 – Sonny Lindner Challenge of the North Award:Sponsored by Denali State Bank. Framed stained glass panel of Sitting Dog. Presented to the musher who most exemplifies the “Spirit of the Yukon Quest”, a spirit that compels one to challenge themselves and persevere. Selected by race officials. 2010 – Jocelyne LeBlanc Veterinarian’s Choice Award:Wood burned mushing scene on birch burl plus $1,000 (US) certificate towards veterinarian services (donated by Alpine Veterinary Clinic and Uncommon Journeys). Presented to the musher who best demonstrates outstanding canine care for their dogs throughout the race while remaining competitive. Selected by the race veterinarians. 2010 – Joshua Cadzow For more information:**For the most up-to-date results from the Yukon Quest, please visit http://yukonquest.com/site/race-updates/. You can also access mini-updates of the race through our Facebook page – just search Facebook for “Yukon Quest – Official Site”. Plus, follow the race on Twitter at http://twitter.com/YukonQuest2010 **The 2010 Yukon Quest announced its award winners on Saturday night in Whitehorse, Yukon. This years’ winners are as follows: Tara McCarthyOutside the Cube867-456-7483ALASKA550 First Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701Phone: 907.452.7954 Fax: 907.452.7959Email: yukonquest@mosquitonet.comYUKON#2 – 1109 First Ave. Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5G4Phone: 867.668.4711 Fax: 867.668.6674Email: questadmin@polarcom.com
