A new 300-mile sled dog race slated for December can help qualify mushers for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports about 20 teams are expected to compete starting Dec. 17, depending on snowfall in the next three weeks.
At least six teams have signed up for the Tolovana 300.
Mushers will start near Fox and regroup at three checkpoints before the 85-mile push to the finish line.
Both the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race list the Tolovana 300 among their qualifying events.
Fox musher Ken Anderson said he decided to help organize the new race mostly because there is a premium on 300-mile competitions.
Registration costs $40. Race sponsors may contribute product prizes for the top teams.
