Bigger purse attracts more Yukon Quest mushers

Thirty-three teams have signed up to run the 1,600-kilometre Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Racein February.

That's up from 22 teamsthis year, an increase race manager Stephen Reynolds attributes to a bigger purse: $200,000 US, instead of $125,000 US.

"There's no doubt about it, that is probably the single greatest factor," said Reynolds told CBC News this week.

The money will split among the contestants, with the winner taking $40,000 and descending amounts given to the top 15 finishers.All other finishers will earn at least $1,000, equivalent to the entry fee.

Improvements to the trail, including the installation of permanent markers on the treacherous Eagle Summit, have also made the race more attractive to mushers, he says.

Reigning championAlaskan Lance Mackey will be back to defendthe title hehas held for the past two years.

He's up against three other former champions: Hans Gatt, Frank Turner and John Schandelmeier. There are also 14 rookies in the 2007 race.

It costs $1,250 (the entry fee plus $250 for other costs) to register for the race, which starts in Whitehorse Feb. 10 and runs to Fairbanks, Alaska. Although regular registration closed Friday, mushers who want to pay an additional $1,000 have until Jan. 10 to enter.