At noon, this Tuesday, March 18 of 2003, the qimutsiit left Salluit and were on their way again, for the last half of their journey from Kangiqsujuaq to Akulivik.

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Late this morning, Sallumiut were back on the sea ice to see the qimutsiit leave. Around 11:30, Andrew Atagotaaluk, the Arctic Diocesan Bishop, who also happens to live in Salluit, blessed the racers’ journey with a prayer. At noon, the first team crossed the starting line, as the race officials, FCNQ President Paulusie Kasudluak and Makivik Board member for Salluit Adamie Keatainnk dropped their respective flags. The Salluit Firechief, Michael Cameron, who has been following the race since the start, saluted the dog teams’ departure with the fire truck horn. Although the qimutsiit left with the wind in their face, the sun was shining hign in a clear blue sky. It was a smooth ride on the bay, followed by a short climb (nothing compared to what they have gone through so far) to reach a river valley that led them 25 miles away or so from civilization, in Maajuqalup Ataani, where they camped for the night. Somewhere along the trail, one of the support crew lost some fish that he was carrying in his qamutik, which created some action for the qimutsitiit (Inuit mushers), as their dogs couldn’t help but being attracted to the tasty smell of Arctic char. But all in all, the day went by fast and all the teams made it through the day without any major incident. As of now, it is hard to say who will win this race. Will Peter Kiatainaq be able to keep the lead, or will Charlie Watt Jr. and Willie Kulula Sr. catch up to him? No one can tell. Even in the latter ranks, it is hard to tell the final line up, as Charlie Inukpuk is closely followed by Tamusi Sivuaraapik, Harry Okpik trailing a little behind them. Harry, who has only one leg, is doing very well this year, his puppies of last year having grown in strenght, thanks to his dedication for training since last year’s race. Keep up the good work Harry!

Rank		Racer		Today’s Time		Total Time
1.		Peter Kiatainaq		3 hrs 29 min 56 sec		24 hrs 9 min 1 sec
2.		Charlie Watt Jr.		3 hrs 29 min 28 sec		24 hrs 20 min 49 sec
3.		Willie Kulula Sr.		3 hrs 32 min 48 sec		24 hrs 27 min 39 sec
4.		Bobby Novalinga		3 hrs 35 min 1 sec		25 hrs 59 min 2 sec
5.		Charlie Inukpuk		4 hrs 7 min 6 sec		29 hrs 20 min 42 sec
6.		Tamusi Sivuaraapik		3 hrs 48 min 20 sec		29 hrs 37 min 54 sec
7.		Harry Okpik		4 hrs 48 min 1 sec		30 hrs 42 min 2 sec
8.		Aisara Kenuayuak		4 hrs 33 min 41 sec		31 hrs 56 min 17 sec
9.		George Annanack		3 hrs 51 min 5 sec		32 hrs 15 min 56 sec
10.		Willie Cain Jr.		4 hrs 37 min 55 sec		35 hrs 21 min 54 sec
11.		Juani Beaulne		5 hrs 17 min 40 sec		37 hrs 17 min 37 sec
12.		Adamie Inukpuk		4 hrs 30 min 8 sec		38 hrs 49 min 37 sec
13.		Adamie Qumak		4 hrs 30 min 51 sec		39 hrs 6 min 18 sec
14.		Nutaraaluk Iyaituk		4 hrs 54 min 32 sec		39 hrs 45 min 53 sec