It takes about three to four days for the dogs and sleds to cross the finish line. The dogs do not pull the sleds the whole time. There is a minimal required layover time of 12 hours, which is divided among the four checkpoints. Spectators are encouraged to come and watch the start. There are also other points in the race that are set up with the spectators in mind, including the towns of Eagle Lake, St. John, St. Francis and Allagash.
People line the street to see the start of the race.
Last year, Governor Angus King was among the crowd. The Key Bank Can-Am 60 also begins on Fort Kent's Main Street. This 60-mile race includes seven to eight dogs. The dogs pull the sled an average of 8 mph, making the race about a seven to ten hour event. Participants for this race come as far as Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, as well as our fellow Mainards.