We have an emotional (but happy!) announcement to share. Our long-standing marshal, Jim Cunningham, is unable to join us in Kearney this year. He has been given an incredible opportunity to marshal for the 2027 Yukon Quest! The Yukon Quest is one of the most iconic events in the mushing world. The main 550-mile (888 km) race will follow the historic Yukon River corridor from Whitehorse to Dawson City, alongside a 300-mile (500 km) race to Pelly Crossing.

While KDSR is running here at home, Jim will be up in the north helping make this incredible long-distance race happen. We hope everyone can join us in celebrating this monumental moment and sharing in his excitement.

We are equally thrilled to announce that our 2027 race will be marshaled by Abby Fallis. Abby is well known in the Ontario mushing world and beyond. She not only brings decades of experience and an international race marshal license, but a whole lot of heart and dedication to dog care and welfare.

Abby Fallis’ lifelong passion for dogs began at a young age, but it was dog sledding that truly captured her imagination. At 14, she welcomed Roo, a shepherd-lab cross, into her life and began training in obedience. Despite not being a traditional sled dog, Roo became Abby’s first after she found a mentor who helped her teach Roo to pull and work in harness. Together, they won the Alaskan Malamute Help League’s 1-Dog Mal Quad Crown Championship—marking the beginning of Abby’s journey as a musher.

Since then, Abby has built and trained her own teams and competed across Ontario, Quebec, New York and New Hampshire. She has developed extensive knowledge of team building, harnessing, conditioning, feeding, kennel management, veterinary care, responsible breeding and understanding each dog’s individual strengths and working style. Years spent standing on the runners, listening to and anticipating her dogs, have taught Abby how to bring out the best in each canine partner.

Welcome, Abby! We’re so excited to have you step into this important role—Jim leaves some very big shoes to fill, and we’re thrilled to have you step into them.