updated 7:32 p.m. ET March 20, 2009

NOME, Alaska - A fifth dog has died during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

An 8-year-old male named Omen in musher Rick Larson’s team died early Friday on the trail between the Elim and White Mountain checkpoints.

At least three dogs died in each of the last two races, and at least four died during the 2006 race.

Omen’s death came a day after a 5-year-old male named Maynard, on the team of Canadian musher Warren Palfrey, died about an hour outside of the finish line at Nome.

Iditarod spokesman Chas St. George says tests will be performed on the dogs to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile, 26 mushers remain on the trail of the 1,100-mile race, which started March 8 near Anchorage. Lance Mackey of Alaska won this third consecutive Iditarod title on Wednesday.

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