The fifteen participating dog teams left from Inukjuak this morning, at 10:30 AM, one after another setting out for a great journey along the Eastern shore of the Hudson Bay. Covering a daily average of 40 miles a day, they should reach their next destination, Umiujaq, within four days, weather permitting.
________________________________
There was a lot of action in Inukjuak this morning, as the Ivakkak participating dog teams were getting ready to go. The whole community closed down to be able to witness the start of this great event, including both schools (elementary and secondary) and the vocational center. Needless to say, the excitement was at its peak.
After the customary opening prayer given by the local Reverend Moses Idlout, the racers hopped on their dog sleds, waiting for the countdown to be given.
« Tallimat (5), Sitamat (4), Pingasut (3), Marruk (2), Atausiq (1)… Atai (Go)! »
One after another, the dog teams crossed the starting line in a hurry, as the Inuit huskies were anxious to get going. « Uit! Uit! », their master encouraged them forward…
Soon, the dog teams became small dots on the horizon…
On this first day of Ivakkak the dogs were full of energy and raring to go! So much so that some became tangled up but not enough to make for any loss of time. The trail follows the coastline southward along sea ice, and with the temperature at -12 °c today the snow was soft. At the start from Inukjuaq the sky was cloudy and giving light snow.
The very eager dogteams were slowed down somewhat by the snow’s softness as it is mixed with salt from the sea ice, yet they managed to make it to Qikirtaluk a good 42 miles from Inukjuaq. The temperature as the teams rested in their tents at the arrival point was -25 °c with the northern lights illuminating the arctic night sky.
A sad mishap occurred on this first day. While the teams began at a brisk pace, and Junior May’s dogs were following along the pace, one of his dog’s rope got caught on a jutting piece of ice along the trail. As the rope got stuck and the dog kept running, the rope snapped the dog back. Unfortunately the dog was seriously injured, and with no hope of recovery, had to be put down. We are sad for this terrible event, hoping that this will not happen again to Junior May or to any one else, let us remember that staunch dog. Keep your aim forward!
| Rank |  |
Racer | |
Today’s Time | |
Total Time |
| 1. | |
Peter Kiatainaq | |
5 hrs 33 min 07 sec | |
|
| 2. |
|
Junior May | |
5 hrs 33 min 45 sec | |
|
| 3. |
|
Harry Okpik | |
5 hrs 34 min 29 sec | |
|
| 4. |
|
Bobby Novalinga | |
5 hrs 49 min 07 sec | |
|
| 5. |
|
Tamusi Sivuaraapik | |
5 hrs 55 min 22 sec | |
|
| 6. |
|
Adamie Inukpuk | |
6 hrs 18 min 53 sec | |
|
| 7. |
|
Willie Kulula Sr. | |
6 hrs 28 min 12 sec | |
|
| 8. |
|
Juusipi Qisiiq | |
7 hrs 07 min 27 sec | |
|
| 9. |
|
Willie Cain Jr. | |
7 hrs 13 min 28 sec | |
|
| 10. |
|
Aisara Kenuayuak | |
7 hrs 17 min 38 sec | |
|
| 11. |
|
Matthew Nassak | |
7 hrs 18 min 52 sec | |
|
| 12. |
|
Nutaraaluk Iyaituk | |
7 hrs 20 min 27 sec | |
|
| 13. |
|
George Annanack | |
7 hrs 30 min 28 sec | |
|
| 14. |
|
Simeonie Elijassiapik | |
8 hrs 07 min 28 sec | |
|
| 15. |
|
Adamie Qumak | |
8 hrs 43 min 28 sec | |
