Musher Oswald "Newton" Marshall arrives in Alaska on Sunday, Nov. 29 to begin intense training for his bid to become the first Jamaican ever to complete the 1,150 mile Iditarod.

Newton will join forces with three-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey, who will be attempting to win both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod this year for the third time in his career.

"I'm very excited," said Marshall. "I've missed being out in the cold and snow for these past months so I'm ready to get right to work training with Lance's dogs."

As part of his training regimen, Newton will also participate in the Gin Gin 200, which starts December 31st at Paxton Lodge in Alaska and the Copper Basin 300, which begins January 9th in Lake Louise, Alaska.

"Newton's courage and determination to compete in one of the toughest dog sled races mirrors the strength and resilience of the Jamaican people," said John Lynch, Jamaica's Director of Tourism. "Jamaica is undeniably a multitalented nation as we endeavor to conquer the unimaginable. The country is proud and we wish him the very best."

Current Jamaica Dogsled Team sponsors include: Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, WestJet Vacations, Alpine Aviation, Yukon Harley-Davidson, Annamaet Petfoods, Northern Outfitters and the Jamaica Tourist Board.

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