FORT KENT, Maine — Like most activities in the country the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races for 2021 were cancelled by COVID-19, but now the organization has come up with a virtual race to take the edge off for organizers and mushers until they can run again for real in 2022.
The Can Am Crown Virtual Fun Run will be held from Feb. 24 until March 9, which would have been the end date of the 2021 race.
“It is hoped the Virtual Fun Run will keep the mushing community active in these days of COVID,” organizer Mira Saucier said.
“We hope that mushers who join will run each day of the two-week period and record their mileage and stories to the community event page of the Can Am Website,” said Saucier, a member of the Can Am Board of directors and its medical officer. “It is a way to connect mushers while distancing from each other.”
The event will allow mushers to get out in the field each day for two weeks. Daily logs will be kept by competitors who will also write about their experience for everyone to see. Mushers will pay a $25 registration fee. They can run at their own pace. Some mushers have not been able to train much because of the weather this winter.
The Facebook Event page will also have interviews with Can Am Crown Sled Dog Race volunteers, along with their photos. There will be a photo contest, the themes for which will be announced each day. The winner will get a gift card from a local business that can be used when they return for the actual race in 2022.
Each person registering will receive a Fun Run neck warmer/face covering. All of the mushers who participate in the virtual run will be entered into a drawing for half the cost of their 2022 race registration.
