Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race facts for kids
The Can-Am Crown is an exciting international sled dog race held every year in Fort Kent, Maine. It usually starts on the first Saturday in March. This is also the same day the famous Iditarod Trail race begins! The Can-Am Crown organization was created in 1992 to set up a long-distance sled dog race.
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History of the Can-Am Crown
The very first Can-Am Crown 250-mile race happened on February 16, 1993. Nine teams from Maine, Canada (Ontario, Quebec), and New Brunswick joined that first race.
In 1994, the race became even more popular. Sixteen teams competed in the 250-mile race. A new, shorter 60-mile race was also added, and eleven teams raced in it. By 1997, a 30-mile race was added too. That same year, the first Saturday in March became the official start date for all three races.
The race directors decided to limit the number of teams to 30 in each race. This was because the races had become so popular. In 2005, all the spots were filled!
The 2021 race was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 race was also cancelled due to warm weather and not enough snow.
About the Can-Am Crown Race
The race starts on Main Street in Fort Kent. It goes under the international bridge to Canada. Then, it stretches into the wild western parts of the Allagash wilderness. Finally, the race finishes back in Fort Kent.
There are three different races that are part of the CAN-AM Crown:
- A 30-mile race
- A 60-mile race
- A 250-mile race, which is a qualifying race for the Iditarod
Competitors, called mushers, travel from all over the United States and Canada to take part in this sled dog race.
Race Checkpoints and Duration
The 250-mile race course has five checkpoints. All teams must sign in and sign out at each checkpoint. This helps organizers keep track of everyone.
Usually, the 30-mile and 60-mile races finish on the same day they start. The longer 250-mile race takes more time, lasting from 2 to 4 days. Mushers must reach the Allagash checkpoint by a specific date to complete the race.
Can-Am Crown Prizes
The winner of the Can-Am 250-mile race receives $29,000. The winner of the Can-Am 60-mile race gets $7,000. The winner of the Can-Am 30-mile race receives $4,000.
In 2012, Minnesota musher Ryan Anderson won the 250-mile race. He finished the trail in 31 hours, 22 minutes, and 16 seconds.
