Newton Marshall trained for sled-dog racing with stray mutts pulling a sled on wheels through the streets of Jamaica.


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Now he's poised to begin the grueling Iditarod race across the snow-streaked interior of Alaska, where he faces fierce weather and competition from a world-class field of 70 other mushers. The Iditarod starts Saturday in Anchorage and will cover more than 1,100 miles. The hope among Marshall's supporters is that he will inspire others who might see his accomplishments and believe they can also do great things. Singer Jimmy Buffett is among Marshall's strongest supporters. "He's absolutely a hero to kids in Jamaica," Buffett said. Buffett's Margaritaville restaurants are key sponsors for Marshall's dog-sled team, and the famed songwriter says he did not hesitate to back Marshall after learning of his story. Buffett first heard of the Jamaican after meeting Danny Melville, who runs a family-owned tour business in Jamaica where Marshall was employed as a guide.

Source: Jamaican pride: Marshall's trek to Alaska serves as inspiration