On Saturday in Wasilla, Alaska, Newton Marshall of the Jamaica Dogsled Team (JDT) officially signed on to test his skills on the 2010 Iditarod.

Three-time champion Lance Mackey, who will be training Marshall as he prepares for the race,was on-hand in Wasilla to deliver the required documentation. He was noticeably excited to have the opportunity to partner with JDT.

"Newton has proved himself to be courageous and able to beat the odds as he did last year at the Yukon Quest," said Mackey. "I am proud to be a part of the team that will see Newton complete the last great race on earth."

Marshall will be a rookie racing the Iditarod, but proved he is qualified to face this test, having raced the Yukon Quest in 2009 and winning the Challenge of the North Award as a result. This award was given for his perseverance in spite of all the odds against him. Yukon Quest race officials selected Marshall as the award recipient.

"I can't wait to return to Alaska to run the Iditarod," said Marshall. "I know Lance will have a great team ready for me and I fell in love with the area this past winter. It's going to be great!"

The 2010 Iditarod begins next March in Anchorage.

The Jamaica Dogsled Team is sponsored by Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, WestJet Vacations, Alpine Aviation and Annamaet Petfoods.