After two days waiting for the start to be kicked off, the race finally began from the shore of Kangiqsujuaq, around noon this Wednesday, March 12, 2003. The huskies were eager to go and they ivakkak (ran at a comfortable pace)for 25 miles, reaching Ippikutaat, where they would overnight due to poor visibility caused by high winds and drifting snow on the mountain plateau.

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After eagerly waiting for the blizzard to end so that the race may begin, the qimutsiit (dog teams) line up was made just before lunch today, on the shore of Kangiqsujuaq that is nestled between mountains and in front of the bay it is named for. Before taking off, Annie Tertiluk, the local priest, gave the qimutsitiit her blessings with prayer. Shortly after the prayer, at 12:45, Ivakkak racers were given the go. 5,4,3,2,1… The race officials drop their flags. Ivakkak is on. Qumayuq! Qirniq! Kayuapiik! Uit, uit! The dogs began their run at a fast pace and after having sat for two days waiting out the storm, dog paws were raring to go. Peter Kiatainaq, whose dogs know the area well, takes the lead. After the teams first crossed the bay they began to climb up the mountains to reach the plateau. This climb took about a half hour, as the conditions proved to be difficult. The previous day’s storm had blown off the snow in some areas, leaving the land exposed and dog teams had to travel over sand, rock, and sometimes sheer ice. Once on the plateau, the participants were able to keep up their pace all the way to Ippikutaat, their first stop, a landmark 25 miles from the starting point. The race officials decided they would stop and overnight there as the wind was picking up again and going further would have become hazardous. Tents were set up and everyone made it safe and sound to the camp site before dark, happy to find a warm cup of tea waiting for them.
When the race began, George Annanack was substituted by Rina Snowball. George was delayed to attend the funeral of his father, and his arrival to Kangiqsujuaq had also been delayed due to the storm. Yet he made it to participate in the race and was brought to Ippikutaat by snowmobile to take his proper place the next day. Even through this time of hardship, George felt it was important to take part in Ivakkak because his father had encouraged him and inspired him to raise a dog team since he was a small boy.

Day 2 is expected to begin with much improved weather this time as the forecast called for clear skies.

Rank		Racer		Today’s Time		Total Time
1.		Peter Kiatainaq		2 hrs 12 min 1 sec		2 hrs 12 min 1 sec
2.		Willie Kulula Sr.		2 hrs 12 min 11 sec		2 hrs 12 min 11 sec
3.		Charlie Watt Jr.		2 hrs 13 min 20 sec		2 hrs 13 min 20 sec
4.		Bobby Novalinga		2 hrs 22 min 17 sec		2 hrs 22 min 17 sec
5.		Harry Okpik		2 hrs 22 min 23 sec		2 hrs 22 min 23 sec
6.		Aisara Kenuayuak		2 hrs 31 min 38 sec		2 hrs 31 min 38 sec
7.		Tamusi Sivuaraapik		2 hrs 43 min 41 sec		2 hrs 43 min 41 sec
8.		Adamie Inukpuk		3 hrs 4 min 47 sec		3 hrs 4 min 47 sec
9.		Rina Snowball		3 hrs 4 min 49 sec		3 hrs 4 min 49 sec
10.		Willie Cain Jr.		3 hrs 26 min 21 sec		3 hrs 26 min 21 sec
11.		Charlie Inukpuk		3 hrs 26 min 22 sec		3 hrs 26 min 22 sec
12.		Adamie Qumak		3 hrs 26 min 23 sec		3 hrs 26 min 23 sec
13.		Nutaraaluk Iyaituk		3 hrs 27 min 21 sec		3 hrs 27 min 21 sec
14.		Juani Beaulne		3 hrs 34 min 18 sec		3 hrs 34 min 18 sec