Record turnout expected for annual Alaska to Yukon race

This year's Klondike Trail of '98 International Road Relay between Skagway, Alaska, andWhitehorse is shaping up to be the largest in its 31 year history.

182 teams with more than 1,500 participants have registered for the annual race set forSept. 5 and 6.Competitors can compete in running or walking categories.

The course runs 175 kilometreson the South Klondike and Alaska highways from sea level in Skagway, through the Coast Mountains and onto Whitehorse.

Race coordinator Kevin Patterson is pleased to be on track to a record setting turnout.

"I think we definitely added some promotions to this year's race and we've got some new additions that are making it exciting for people,"Patterson said.

"We have a beer garden down at the finish line. We have some cool new race pins that we are going to be giving out to people when they finish their legs so there is some new and exciting changes."

Patterson said this year's race will include a new eight person walking team category for the first time. A new Ultra category has four competitors signed up to attempt to run the entire course solo.

Race organizers are looking for more volunteers.