Those hoping to enter the Yukon Quest sled dog race in North America will be in the running for a minimum $150,000 prize (£94,700), it has been confirmed.

Starting on February 5th 2011 in Whitehorse, situated in the south of the Canadian territory, and ending in Fairbanks, Alaska, the challenge will see mushers sign up from August 7th 2010 in order to compete.

A formal announcement of the purse will be given on that date, but organisers told the Anchorage Daily News that it would definitely be $150,000 or higher.

Travel writer Craig Platt recently visited the Yukon for the Sydney Morning Herald, finding the region to be “magnetic” thanks to its large glaciers, untouched wilderness and sparse population.

He added that a sled dog ride across the landscape offers an exciting way to take in the Yukon’s surroundings – as well as the occasional bear, the area’s native animal.