Cain's Quest snowmobile race underway in Labrador

Canada's longest, toughest snowmobile race is off and running in Labrador.

At almost 3,000 kilometres, Cain's Quest is as much a test of endurance as it is a race.

Thirty-five teams of two crowded into the snowy soccer field in Labrador City yesterday to begin what could be the adventure of a lifetime.

Joey Lukan from Saskatchewan is a first-time participant.

"Go big or go home," Lukan said. "If you're going to start adventure racing you might as well do the big one first."

Only around half the teams make it to the finish line each year.

'Go big or go home. If you're going to start adventure racing you might as well do the big one first.' Joey Lukan

Co-chair Todd Kent says it's as tough mentally as it is physically.

"They're going to see a lot of country that many people, most people, have never seen or never will see," Kent said.

This is Jason Paul's second Cain's Questhe came up 300 kilometres short in 2009.

This year Paul has teamed up with his wife, Coreenthe first woman to ever compete.

"Just a little nervous getting started, but I'm not too worried about it," she said. "I think we'll be fine."

If all goes well, these racers will be out in the woods for the better part of a week, riding as much as 15 or 20 hours a day, and stopping only to sleep or fuel up.

It's expected the top finishers will start rolling back into Labrador City sometime on Thursday.

Collision probed

Meanwhile, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is investigating a snowmobile collision that happened shortly after the start of the race.

Police say it happened around 11:30 a.m. in the area of De Mille Lake.

The man involved in the crash was airlifted by helicopter to the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital.

Hehas non-life threatening injuries, according to police.