MISSISSAUGA, Canada, Feb. 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spot LLC today announced its partnership with the 2011 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, providing satellite-based GPS tracking of this year's race with the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™. Mushers of the 1,600km Yukon Quest can be followed live online starting Saturday February 5th at www.yukonquest.com.
The 2011 Yukon Quest features 25 international teams competing unsupported through the remote arctic Wilderness following the route of the historic 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, mail delivery, and transportation routes between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska. Teams will be equipped with the SPOT Messenger devices which allows them to send location-based signals via the Globalstar satellite network enabling near real-time public viewing on SPOT enhanced Google Maps™. Fans can view an innovative race leader board for current racer position and race course check-point updates provided by Trackleaders LLC, a leader in web-based tracking solutions specializing in integrating SPOT technology.
SPOT technology will provide race staff with satellite-based messaging and emergency communications independent of cellular networks to assist with on-course safety. Due to the remoteness of the race, traditional means of communication are unavailable or not reliable. Because SPOT uses satellite technology, both teams and race supporters are able to maintain a line of one-way satellite messaging throughout the race.
"For the second consecutive year, Yukon Quest mushers will carry SPOT Messenger devices not only for location updates during the race but also for additional safety," said Georgina Leslie, Yukon-based Executive Director of the Yukon Quest. "The portable and rugged SPOT Messenger proved it could live up to the harsh conditions of this race last year and has become an important tool for race logistics and providing fans with an enhanced race experience viewable directly on our website."
Fans of the Yukon Quest can view additional team profile information and team tracking history at www.SPOTadventures.com, SPOT's online social community for SPOT users.
The SPOT Adventures Logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6660
To learn more about the 2011 Yukon Quest, visit: www.yukonquest.com
About Yukon Quest
The Yukon Quest has been run every year since 1984 over the 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of rough terrain between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska. The Yukon Quest Race start/finish alternates annually between these two host cities. This incredible winter sports event takes place every February when weather conditions can be the coldest and sometimes the most unpredictable of the year. The Yukon Quest race starts on schedule regardless of weather and lasts from 10 to 16 days until the final dog team arrives at the finish line, depending on weather and trail conditions. The Yukon Quest is especially known for excellence in canine care and fostering the traditions of northern travel by dog sled.
About Trackleaders LLC
Trackleaders provides state-of-the-art event tracking services. Specializing in SPOT-based tracking and through exclusive use of TopoFusion tracking software, Trackleaders is a leader in web-based tracking. Trackleaders has direct access to SPOT technical support and demo units for qualifying events. For more information, visit www.trackleaders.com
About Spot LLC
Spot LLC, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), provides emergency notification technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. The SPOT product family uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the Globalstar network to transmit messages and GPS coordinates to others including an international rescue coordination center. Thanks to this affordable, cutting edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how Spot LLC is helping others stay connected -- from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure -- visit www.findmeSPOT.com. Note that all SPOT products described in this press release are the products of Spot LLC, which is not affiliated in any manner with Spot Image of Toulouse, France or Spot Image Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia.
The Globalstar, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=8183