Teams have begun checking in for the 2023 Cain’s Quest Race in Labrador City.

Over 30 amateur teams will leave the starting gates at 10 a.m. Saturday morning for the 3,500 km trek, described as the world’s longest and toughest snowmobile endurance race.

Racers will go through 18 checkpoints in remote corners of Labrador before crossing the finish line, with the successful team winning $50,000.

Chris Lacey, chair of the board at Cain’s Quest, says more than 300 volunteers from across Labrador have converged to pull the event off, and they are thrilled for the energy, excitement, and economic benefits the race will bring to the region.

Meanwhile, both the provincial and federal governments have announced funding for this year’s Race. Ottawa, through ACOA, is putting up $125,000, while the province is giving over $117,000.

The funds will be used to help promote the event, and go towards race safety and management.