Sled dog racer Kim Darst has revealed she will not be competing in the Iditarod this year due to fund-raising issues.

The Blairstown veteran, who is a helicopter pilot by trade, said she is planning to take part in the Yukon Quest (YQ) instead as it is around $30,000 (£19,000) cheaper to compete in.

However, she told New Jersey news source NJ.com that she still needs to find $20,000 to secure her place on the starting line at the February 2011 event.

“Fund-raising is hard,” Darst remarked at a recent Warren County Farmers’ Fair, where she was promoting a book which is being used to drum up finance.

She revealed she is selling t-shirts and asking well-wishers for donations as she aims to take on the likes of Brent Sass at the YQ.

Last year’s race was won by Hans Gatt, but he has opted not to defend his title and will instead appear at Wyoming’s International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race.