Gearing up for the 2015 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent

Sled dogs and mushers from all over the world will be making the trek to Aroostook County over the next few days in anticipation of the 2015 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races.

The Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races will be held from Saturday, February 28th through Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 in Fort Kent.

In their 23rd great year, they will continue with the traditional Canadian-American experience, with mushers and spectators from throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.

The Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races will consist of three races with a total purse of $40,000: a 30-mile race, a 60-mile race, and the well-known 250-mile race. The 250-mile race is a qualifier for the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest.

Last year Martin Massicotte finished with the fifth fastest speed by a first place finisher in the history of the 250-mile race. This was Massicotte's fourth first place finish, tying with Andre Nadeau for the most first place 250-mile finishes.

Rico Portalatin of Massachusetts won the 60-mile race with an average speed of 10.03 mph, almost identical to his average speed in last year's 30-mile race.

Amy deWolski of Massachusetts took a very fast first in the 30-mile race in 2014 with an average speed of 11.57 mph.

For more information, visit their Facebook page.