The “Great Turtle Race” is back!

From Conservation International:

In three days, Conservation International and National Geographic’s “Great Turtle Race” hits the open ocean. This year, eleven leatherback sea turtles will be racing from Canada’s Atlantic coast to the beaches of the Caribbean.

Don't miss out on the action.

Sign up for daily race reports.

Here are a few exciting details about the upcoming race:

+ All eleven turtles are tagged with a satellite-tracking device that will allow you to follow them from Canada to the Caribbean.

+ U.S. Olympic swimmers Amanda Beard, Janet Evans, Jason Lezak, and Eric Shanteau will “coach” our competitors and post notes of encouragement to the turtles throughout the race.

+ Rock bands REM and Pearl Jam have jumped on the turtle bandwagon. Both bands have picked their early favorites.