March 21, 2012 – Different race, same champion!

The rules of the Ivakkak dog sled race may have changed for this 2012 edition, making each dog team and their masters completely autonomous in this challenging feat, but its champion remains the same. The titleholder, Peter Kiatainaq’s team, already five-time champion of Ivakkak –in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011– was once again the first one to cross the finish line, making it to Kangirsuk at 4:30 PM yesterday, almost four hours ahead of the next team in sight.—->READ MORE

March 19, 2012 – From Kuujjuaq to Tasiujaq to Aupaluk, the dog teams are on the move again

It was a long day for the race officials and their support crew today, one that started early this morning, way before sunrise, and that could end again in the middle of the night, as all the dog teams were on the move again, some from Kuujjuaq to Tasiujaq, others from Tasiujaq to Aupaluk. The leaders are expected to close in Kangirsuk by evening tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20. But first, here’s a look at today’s activity on the Ivakkak 2012 trail…—->READ MORE

March 18, 2012 – The mushers wait out the storm and get ready to move on

As their dogs curled up in a ball of fur to shield themselves from the blowing snow this morning, their now well-rested masters took this opportunity to prepare for the road still ahead. With Allen Gordon’s team now off the ranks, eleven dog teams remain in the race. Six of them are getting ready to leave from Tasiujaq, four from Kuujjuaq and one from somewhere in between, all anxious to hit the road.—->READ MORE

March 18, 2012 – An eventful day on the Ivakkak 2012 trail between Kuujjuaq and Tasiujaq

Half of the Ivakkak 2012 participating dog teams made it to Tasiujaq so far. Peter Kiatainaq’s, Novalinga Novalinga’s, Junior May, Willie Cain Jr., Peter Ittukallak, Willie Kulula and their race partners were all welcomed like heroes by the members of this tight-knit community nestled on the shore of Leaf Bay. Allen Gordon, who suffered a knee injury on the trail last night, unfortunately had to abandon the race and headed back home to Kuujjuaq.  —->READ MORE

Mars 17, 2012 – The last dog teams make it to Kuujjuaq while the first ones already get going towards Tasiujaq

The last dog teams that were still on their way to Kuujjuaq made it in today. Meanwhile, the first teams that had already reached this first checkpoint, left today, this time on their way to Tasiujaq, Ivakkak 2012′s next checkpoint, which some were going to try to reach overnight or tomorrow. —-> READ MORE

March 16, 2012 - The dog teams still out on the trail carry on through blowing snow while Mother Nature’s ill temper wins the others already in Kuujjuaq extra time-out

The race officials, along with the Kuujjuaq IPL students of Jaanimmarik School, didn’t get much sleep during the night of March 14 to 15, as two other dog teams came in after the top five. Willie Kulula’s team pulled in at 12:36 AM last night, still in good spirits, even though they went through ups and downs on the trail, making for sore muscles from running alongside the dogs going up and working hard to hold back the sled going down. —->READ MORE

March 15, 2012 – BREAKING NEWS

Gusty weather and wet snow slow down the 4 dog teams still trying to make it to Kuujjjuaq, and prompt the race officials to postpone the departure of those that are already in by 24 hours. Check out the latest standings above until more details are available…

March 14, 2012 – The top five make it to Kuujjuaq after sunset

Although many Kuujjuaq school kids flocked to the beach with their teachers this afternoon, anxious to see the first dog teams arrive, they had a lot of time to enjoy this beautiful day out, playing and sliding on the ice, as it wasn’t until sunset that one of them finally turned up. As anticipated, Peter Kiatainaq’s Inuit husky lineup, fueled by years of experience winning this challenging race, was the first to reach the shore of Kuujjuaq, Ivakkak 2012′s first checkpoint, at 6:35 PM.—->READ MORE

March 14, 2012  – First dog teams expected in Kuujjuaq this afternoon

At 8:30 this morning, Silas Snowball, who is posted with Sammy Angma at the Marralik River to ensure the dog teams’ safe passage, notified the Ivakkak race coverage crew that Peter Kiatainaq’s team had already gone by.

Meanwhile, the race officials were on their way by helicopter. Junior May’s partner, Tommy Kooktook, had gotten injured late yesterday. When trying to untangle the dogs’ ropes, he got himself tangled as well and hurt his leg. —->READ MORE

March 13, 2012  – Ivakkak 2012 kicks off: 3, 2, 1… Uit! Uit!

Excitement was at its peak this morning on the sea ice in front of the community, where only a few decades ago, Inuit used to meet the occasional plane by dog team to get supplies. This time, Kangiqsualujjuamiut were gathered on the bay to witness the departure, not of a plane, but of the twelve dog teams registered in this 11th edition of Ivakkak, the Inuit of Nunavik’s very own dog sled race. —->READ MORE

For once, the weather forecast did not lie. This morning, the wind had grown stronger as predicted, and by the end of the day, it wasn’t just flurries but heavy snow falling, making everybody grateful for the race officials’ decision to delay the start of the race by a day. But this extra day in Kangiqsualujjuaq wasn’t spent sitting around, except maybe for the dogs, which couldn’t do much but roll up in a ball and wait out the storm. —->READ MORE

Twelve (12) teams will launch themselves on Monday March 12, 2012, on the most captivating of journeys, where the definition of the words wisdom, fellowship and perseverance will take its true meaning – they’re taking part in Ivakkak’s dog team race, the most gruelling but also the most popular event in Quebec’s Far North. The start of the race will be given in Kangiqsualujjuaq and the race will end in Kangirsuk approximately 10 days later, depending on the whims of Mother Nature.  Stopovers are planned in Kuujjuaq, Tasiujaq and Aupaluk. —->READ MORE

Wednesday, March 21, 2012, as of 11 AM

The rules of the Ivakkak dog sled race may have changed for this 2012 edition, making each dog team and their masters completely autonomous in this challenging feat, but its champion remains the same. The titleholder, Peter Kiatainaq’s team, already five-time champion of Ivakkak –in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011– was once again the first one to cross the finish line, making it to Kangirsuk at 4:30 PM yesterday, almost four hours ahead of the next team in sight.

When they arrived in Kangirsuk, Peter Kiatainaq and his son, were not only welcomed by the whole community that was gathered on the sea ice of Payne Bay for the occasion, but also by a crowd of their own from Kangiqsujuaq, who had made the trip, either by plane or snowmobile, to come and celebrate their idol. Upon their arrival, the father and his son, certainly proud to be named after his father, were hoisted up on their sled as heroes on this glorious day under the sun.
A couple of hours after the sun went down, it was the Ivakkak 2010 champion’s turn to cross the finish line, at 8:28 PM, as Willie Cain Jr. and his dogs came in Kangirsuk with his partner, also of the same name. Incredibly happy to arrive in second place, having passed a couple of teams along the way from their home of Tasiujaq, both Willies hugged each other with great big smiles and were soon joined by everybody else who wanted to shake these brave men’s hands.
Next to come in was Ivakkak 2009 champion Novalinga Novalinga, with his partner Johnny Sivuaraapik, at 9:51 PM. Although the team had been having technical difficulties with their SPOT GPS tracking device, both racers’ headlamps had been shimmering in the distance across the river for a while, so nobody was surprised to see them come in. They were followed a little over an hour later by Ivakkak 2002 champion Junior May, and his teammate Charlie Snowball, who also crossed the finish line in the dark, at 10:54 PM, tired but cheerful.
Even though they hadn’t won the race, the crowd gave each of the teams that came in after the victors the same hero treatment, hoisting them up on their sled one after another to celebrate their arrival after this remarkable journey.
Peter Ittukallak and his partner Juani Nutaraaluk, who’s SPOT indicated they were still to cross the river at the time, then took everybody by surprise, coming in less than an hour after, at about 11:45 PM. Motivated by the community’s lights in the distance, the dogs must have picked up the pace, anxious to get the rest they had earned.
The team of Willie Kulula and George Annanack, who had strayed from the trail for a little while due to poor visibility brought about by a snowstorm forming overnight, finally made it to Kangirsuk at 8 o’clock this morning, after traveling all night. The race coordinator, Charlie Watt Jr. and support crew in Kangirsuk, who have also been up all night expecting the team’s arrival and prepared to send a rescue party if it became necessary, were there to greet them with a warm a cup of coffee, relieved to see them arrive safe and sound.
Back on the Ivakkak trail, in Tasiujaq, Harry Okpik’s team was the first one to make it yesterday afternoon, at 2:05 PM. And last, but not least, were Tasiujaq’s own teams, Billy Cain’s and Aakutaaq’s, as well as Johnny Arnatuq’s team, which came in one after another later that afternoon, at 3:20 PM, 3:32 PM and 3:33 PM respectively, expected by family and friends who gathered at the village’s edge to give them the great welcome they all deserved.

Although their dogs were tired, Julie Ducrocq, the race veterinarian, who had stayed on location to make sure they were all fine, was happy to see that most were still healthy, with only minor nicks to their paws and sore muscles, as is the plague of any athlete. It seems that the 18-hour layovers, a decision that the race coordinators made with the mushers before the race, were enough for the dogs to recuperate before each new leg of the race, and for the men as well.

As for Noah Ningiuruvik and his daughter Minnie, who had left Tasiujaq only around 1 PM, as they were in no rush, they made it to Aupaluk at 10:57 PM, both fine after what seemed to be long day out on the trail. Race official Charlie Alaku was on location to greet them as they arrived in Aupaluk, along with eager locals and a very helpful support crew of four –Alec Iggiyook, Lazarusie Grey, Jobie Cain and Willie Oovaut.

Since the weather was not looking too good for the next couple of days at the two last race’s checkpoint in Tasiujaq and Aupaluk, and that the four teams still in Tasiujaq did not wish to continue on the long road still ahead to Kangirsuk, the race officials made the decision to end the race now. Closing ceremonies will therefore take place this evening in Kangirsuk.

Congratulations to all of the teams who took part in this most challenging edition of the Ivakkak dog team race so far! Hooray!

Note: We apologize for the time it took to get you this much-anticipated update, but we wanted to make sure to bring you all the news, as accurately as possible, including the latest details. We thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this whole edition of the Ivakkak dog sled race.

Please click here to see all the pictures in the Photo Gallery…

Monday, March 19, 2012, as of 10 PM

It was a long day for the race officials and their support crew today, one that started early this morning, way before sunrise, and that could end again in the middle of the night, as all the dog teams were on the move again, some from Kuujjuaq to Tasiujaq, others from Tasiujaq to Aupaluk. The leaders are expected to close in Kangirsuk by evening tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20. But first, here’s a look at today’s activity on the Ivakkak 2012 trail…

Race official Charlie Alaku left Tasiujaq by snowmobile at 3 o’clock in the morning with safety patrol Willie Cain Sr. and Aqujaq Qisiiq to break the trail to Aupaluk and make sure to be there in time for the first dog team’s arrival. Since the conditions on the trail from Tasiujaq were good, it didn’t take them too long to cover the 80-kilometre distance. They made it to Aupaluk before sunrise, at 5:40 AM.

Meanwhile, the leading dog team of Peter Kiatainaq and son was already on its way, having left Tasiujaq at 3:34 in the morning, heading out on the Leaf Bay, known for its record-breaking tides. Even though it was still the middle of the night, a fan club had made it out on the ice to see the five-time champion and his son off in the dark. Soon, the shimmering light of their headlamps disappeared in the distance and everybody went back to sleep, at least for a little bit.

As the sun awoke to light up the horizon with warm colours, it was time for three more dog teams to get ready to go. Novalinga Novalinga and his partner Johnny Sivuaraapik had even gotten up before the sun, to have time for a good cup of coffee and to tend to their dogs before they left at 7:39 AM. As for Junior May and his brother-in-law Charlie Snowball, they made it on the ice just in time to harness the dogs and take off at 7:50 AM, as the sun was finally peaking out of the clouds. As for local musher Willie Cain Jr., confident to climb up the ranks on this leg of the race that he often trained his dogs on during the winter, him and his partner of the same name were sent off at 8:04 AM by many of their fellow Tasiujamiut who had come out to cheer them on.

Still in Kuujjuaq, Johnny Arnatuq and his partner Adamie Michaud were also getting ready to go this morning, as well as Harry Okpik and partner Junior Tukkpiapik, who left at 10:30 AM, as planned. Both mushers and their partners were more than well rested after two days of weather-related delays, anxious to get back on the trail.

No later than 10:49 AM, Peter Kiatainaq and his swift team of Inuit huskies were already pulling in Aupaluk. Back on the trail, Novalinga Novalinga’s, Junior May’s and Willie Cain Jr.’s teams were not even halfway there. That being said, the five-time champion had a good 4-hour lead on them, which, unless something goes wrong in the last leg of the race to Kangirsuk, will be very hard to catch up. But the race officials in Aupaluk, who had been up since the wee hours of the morning to make it there ahead, didn’t take a chance and stayed up to wait for them, expecting them anytime after lunch.

Back in Tasiujaq, Peter Ittukallak’s and Willie Kulula’s teams were getting ready to go, one after another, at 12:34 PM and 12:35 PM respectively. One minute later, at 12:36 PM, Billy Cain and his teammate David Nayumik were leaving from Kuujjuaq at a fast pace, heading home to Tasiujaq. By then, thin clouds had formed a white veil on the morning’s blue sky.

At 3:07 PM, Novalinga Novalinga’s team was the second one to make it to Aupaluk, Ivakkak 2012′s third and last checkpoint before the finish line in Kangirsuk. He was followed at 3:23 PM by Willie Cain Jr.’s team, which, as he had hoped, managed to move up the ranks on this leg of the race, passing Junior May’s team, which came in a little later at 4 PM. Each of the mushers and their partners were welcomed in the smallest community of Nunavik like champions. And, as in the other community they had gone through so far, they didn’t have to look for a place to stay overnight, as many were eager to open their homes to them.

As school ended in Tasiujaq, many school kids rushed to the entrance of their community to wait for Noah Ningiuruvik’s team, which came in not too long after 9-to-5 workers punched out to go join the welcoming committee that was waiting for the father and daughter, as the sun finally came out again. The only girl taking part in the race, Minnie Ningiuruvik was quickly surrounded by a group of young girls for whom she had become a true role model.

While the light was growing dim in Aupaluk, Peter Ittukallak and his partner Juani Nutaraaluk arrived to the checkpoint, at 7:43 PM, followed almost an hour later by Willie Kulula and his partner George Annanack at 8:37 PM.

At the time of writing, Tasiujamiut were still expecting another one of their own, Aakutaaq and his son Sammy Angnatuk’s team, which had left Kuujjuaq late last night, in hopes to make it home today. Unfortunately, his SPOT GPS tracking device doesn’t seem to be in function, so we couldn’t be sure how close he was to Tasiujaq exactly at the time. But since the other three teams that had left from Kuujjuaq this morning were about halfway there, Aakutaaq’s couldn’t be too far from his hometown. In light of this, it seems that this long day wasn’t yet over for the race officials on duty in Tasiujaq.

But back in Aupaluk, the race coordinators, now both on location, were already off to bed to get some well-deserved rest before another day starts again before sunrise, with Peter Kiatainaq’s departure scheduled for 4:49 in the morning, followed by Novalinga Novalinga’s at 9:07 AM, Willie Cain Jr.’s at 9:23 AM, Junior May’s at 10 AM, Peter Ittukallak’s at 1:43 PM and Willie Kulula’s at 2:37 PM. Meanwhile, back in Tasiujaq, Noah Ningiuruvik’s is scheduled to leave at 11:16 AM.

At the speed that Peter Kiatainaq’s team has been going, averaging a good 10 km/hr, maybe more, he could very well make it by Tuesday evening, March 20, to Kangirsuk, which is about 130 kilometres from Aupaluk. To follow his and the other Ivakkak 2012 participating dog teams’ progress, log on to the Live Tracking Page.

ERRATUM: In our March 17th 11 PM update, it was mentioned that Minnie Ningiuruvik was dehydrated, when in fact she was just tired. We were misinformed and apologize for the concerns this may have caused. The correction has now been made.

Please click here to see all the pictures in the Photo Gallery…

Sunday, March 18, 2012, as of 7 PM

As their dogs curled up in a ball of fur to shield themselves from the blowing snow this morning, their now well-rested masters took this opportunity to prepare for the road still ahead. With Allen Gordon’s team now off the ranks, eleven dog teams remain in the race. Six of them are getting ready to leave from Tasiujaq, four from Kuujjuaq and one from somewhere in between, all anxious to hit the road.

But in the meantime, they all took advantage of this extra time in town. While some went to church to pray for good weather and great performance, others took matters into their own hands and spent a good part of the day fine-tuning their sled runners, in hopes of gaining some speed. Grocery shopping was also on the program for most. In Tasiujaq, the Co-op store, usually closed on Sundays, opened just for the mushers. Those scheduled to leave overnight or early in the morning, also took the opportunity to catch some extra Z’s, to be at their best for this next leg of the race.

Now that the weather has cleared up, the snowmobile safety patrol, Willie Cain Sr. and Aqujaq Qisiiq, that will be breaking the trail ahead of the dog teams between Tasiujaq and Aupaluk, and then to Kangirsuk, is getting ready to leave at 2 AM with race official Charlie Alaku. As for Eyetsiak Nungak and Jusipi Kauki, they will stay behind in Tasiujaq to close the trail, after the dog teams have gone. Heading the local support crew, Markusie Annahatak will take over the checkpoint register to look after arrival and departure times in Tasiujaq.

The dog teams in Tasiujaq will start heading out early in the morning, starting with Peter Kiatainaq’s, which scheduled departure time is in the wee hours of the morning, at 3:34 AM, way before sunrise. The five-time Ivakkak champion has already tied up his dogs at the starting line and will be sure to leave right on time to keep his lead. Next will be Novalinga Novalinga’s, Junior May’s and Willie Cain Jr.’s teams, at more decent hours of the morning: 7:39 AM, 7:50 AM and 8:04 AM respectively. As for Peter Ittukallak’s and Willie Kulula’s teams, which came in Tasiujaq almost neck-and-neck yesterday, they will head out one minute after another, at 12:34 PM and 12:35 PM respectively, to continue their race.

Meanwhile, Noah Ningiuruvik’s team might already be on its way to Tasiujaq, if not already there by morning.

As for Johnny Arnatuq, who was scheduled to leave from Kuujjuaq anytime after 7:15 PM tonight, he decided not to leave in the dark and will wait for the morning to take off. But Aakutaaq and his son, who are heading home to Tasiujaq, will definitely be on their way at their scheduled departure time of 10:56 PM tonight, planning to travel overnight, hoping to make it home to Tasiujaq sometime tomorrow.

As for the two other dog teams still in Kuujjuaq, that of Harry Okpik’s and Billy Cain’s, they are expected to take off from Stewart Lake (Tasialuk) at 10:30 AM and 12:36 PM respectively. It will be interesting to see if Billy Cain’s dogs will pick up the pace, as they are also on their way home to Tasiujaq.

Safety patrol Billy Dan May will close the trail behind them, while the safety and communications crew of Etua Koneak, Bobby Papak, Sandy Saunders, James May and Lazarusie Angnatuk will be posted at tricky areas on the trail, to make sure everyone is fine.

The leading dog team is expected to reach Aupaluk by lunchtime tomorrow, as only 50 miles (80 kilometres) separate the smallest community of Nunavik from Tasiujaq. Race coordinator Charlie Watt Jr. will then be waiting for them in Kangirsuk, another 80 miles (130 kilometres) away, where they could arrive as early as Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, if all goes well.

To follow the dog teams progress, log on to the Live Tracking page, under the Race Coverage section of this website

Please click here to see all the pictures in the Photo Gallery…

Kuujjuaq – Friday, March 16, 2012, as of 11 PM

The last dog teams that were still on their way to Kuujjuaq made it in today. Meanwhile, the first teams that had already reached this first checkpoint, left today, this time on their way to Tasiujaq, Ivakkak 2012′s next checkpoint, which some were going to try to reach overnight or tomorrow.

After dog sledding their way through yesterday’s snowstorm, sometimes not able to find the trail, as it was completely covered, Aakutaaq’s team finally made it to Kuujjuaq not too long before dawn, at 4:56 AM.

By lunch time, although it was very windy out on Stewart Lake, where the dog teams left from, the sun was shining high and bright when Peter Kiatainaq signaled his dogs to hit the road at exactly 12:35 PM, after which some took the opportunity to have a picnic at the lake while waiting for the next teams to get going.

When came their turn, Willie Cain Jr.’s at 2:18 PM, Allen Gordon’s team a little later at 2:42 PM and then Novalinga Novalinga’s team at 3:17 PM, the weather had gotten so mild, that some of the mushers and their partners weren’t even wearing their parka, taking in the sun, much like on a spring day.

But by the time Junior May left at 3:56 PM, the wind had picked up, bringing in clouds. With the flurries lifting snow off the ice, it wasn’t long before they disappeared in the distance.

Shortly after, Harry Okpik’s team made it to Kuujjuaq, at 4:30 PM. the one-legged musher and his partner were followed by Billy Cain’s team, whom they had camped out with the night before on the trail near Whale River (Ungunniavik). But as they took off in the morning, it wasn’t long before Harry’s team took the lead over Billy’s, leaving them behind.

At the exact same time that Billy Cain’s team came in the Kuujjuaq checkpoint on the river bank, at 6:36 PM, Willie Kulula’s team, in sixth position, was the last one to leave Kuujjuaq, after the top five teams that had left during the afternoon, as their mandatory layover of 18 hours, extended by 24 hours due to bad weather, came to an end.

Willie Kulula, who’s partner and nephew, Gabriel St-Cyr, couldn’t carry on due to personal reason, found a replacement in George Annanack, another experienced sled dog owner in Kuujjuaq who also participated in Ivakkak a few years back.

As for Noah Ningiuruvik’s team, who’s earliest time of departure was for 10:41 PM tonight, him and his daughter Minnie preferred to postpone their departure until morning, instead of leaving in the dark.

Meanwhile, the teams that had left earlier, were still pushing on in the night, trying to make it to Tasiujaq or as close as possible. To follow their progression, log on to the Ivakkak 2012 Live Tracking page.

Photo Gallery…

Saturday, March 17, 2012, as of 11 PM – Half of the Ivakkak 2012 participating dog teams made it to Tasiujaq so far. Peter Kiatainaq’s, Novalinga Novalinga’s, Junior May, Willie Cain Jr., Peter Ittukallak, Willie Kulula and their race partners were all welcomed like heroes by the members of this tight-knit community nestled on the shore of Leaf Bay. Allen Gordon, who suffered a knee injury on the trail last night, unfortunately had to abandon the race and headed back home to Kuujjuaq. As for Noah Ningiuruvik’s team, who left Kuujjuaq this morning, they are now camped out on the trail about halfway between Kuujjuaq and Tasiujaq. Meanwhile, there are still four teams back in Kuujjuaq, waiting for the weather to improve to hit the road, as the race is now on hold due to a blizzard warning.

The day started early for Peter Ittukallak’s team, which took off from Kuujjuaq at the crack of dawn this morning, at 5:25 AM, as scheduled. When Noah Ningiuruvik’s team left the region’s “metropolis”, at around 8 AM, the sun was shining, but the wind was blowing cold.

Meanwhile, Allen Gordon’s team had already decided to turn back. Having injured his knee while climbing a hill alongside his dogs last night, the Kuujjuaq musher had no choice but to abandon the race. Having trained his dogs all winter long, preparing for this race, not to mention that he was in the top three when the unfortunate event took place, it was with great regret that he started to head back home, after spending the night in a cabin at Qalialuk. (Note: The Race Trail PDF maps can be downloaded from the Race Information section of this website for more details on this location and others mentioned below.)

For Peter Kiatainaq’s leading team, which was the first one to pull in Tasiujaq this morning, at 9:34 AM, it was one less team to worry about. The already five-time Ivakkak champion (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011), had run his dog team until late last night, only stopping for a few hours’ rest at a place called Tasiujatuqaq, where one of Ivakkak 2012′s safety and communications’ crew, joined by Sandy Saunders, had set up camp, to ensure a safe passage on the steep hill.

When they arrived in Tasiujaq, Peter Kiatainaq and his son were greeted by many who had braved the cold to see them arrive. Made up of Markusie Annahatak, Matthew Nayome, Junior Saunders, Silasie Kudluk and Moses Kritik Jr., the community’s support crew, as well as a group of volunteers, including Nicoti Kritik and Jimmy Angnatuk, to name only a few, was already in place, spearheading this joyous welcoming committee.

By the time the next teams started coming in, it was already past lunch time and the weather seemed to want to improve, as the wind calmed down for a little while. Within half an hour, three teams came in. Surprisingly, Novalinga Novalinga’s and Junior May’s team came in, at 1:39 PM and 1:50 PM respectively, before Willie Cain Jr.’s.

Although Willie had run his dogs until late last night, stopping only around 11 PM to settle for the night at a cabin in Illuvigaalurtalik, both Novalinga Novalinga’s and Junior May’s teams had pushed on later in the night, stopping further on the trail to camp out, after having passed the young Tasiujaq musher. But since Willie Cain Jr.’s team was heading home, his dogs quickly started catching up, picking up the pace as they started to smell their homeland when they got to Makimmatalik, approaching Tasiujaq. Needless to say that when the local team showed up not too long after, at 2:04 PM, many had made it out to welcome them back home.

But the excitement wasn’t over yet. Around suppertime, two more dog teams came in sight, that of Peter Ittukallak and Willie Kulula, who raced all the way to the checkpoint’s finish line, coming in only one minute apart: Peter Ittukallak’s at 6:34 PM and Willie Kulula’s at 6:35 PM. Once this enthralling race was over, the two mushers gave each other the high five and hugged, before everybody else witness of this engaging event joined in.

Interesting enough, the Puvirnituq dog team owned by the one they call Peter Boy is the only one that made it from Kuujjuaq to Tasiujaq the same day. As race official Charlie Alaku pointed out, he was also the only one carrying a bible with him, an item optional on the carry-on equipment checklist. Perhaps the extra weight on his sled gave him God Speed.

Not too long after, out on the trail, Noah Ningiuruvik, who’s daughter Minnie was tired, decided to park his dogs on the trail, and got picked up by snowmobile to go spend the night back at the nearest safety and communications camp, where she will be able to get the rest needed and where they will both be more comfortable to wait out the snowstorm that was already starting by the time they got settled around 8:30 PM.

Due to the blizzard warning issued by Environment Canada for the area surrounding Tasiujaq, where, by 10 PM, one could barely see across the street, the race officials decided to put the race on hold for 24 hours, once again. Nobody should be moving tomorrow, whether from Tasiujaq or Kuujjuaq, where it also started to snow.

Photo Gallery…

At 8:30 this morning, Silas Snowball, who is posted with Sammy Angma at the Marralik River to ensure the dog teams’ safe passage, notified the Ivakkak race coverage crew that Peter Kiatainaq’s team had already gone by.

Meanwhile, the race officials were on their way by helicopter, as Junior May’s partner, Tommy Kooktook, had gotten injured late yesterday. When trying to untangle the dogs’ ropes, he got himself tangled as well and hurt his leg. Not able to walk, he had to ride the rest of the way on the sled, otherwise Junior May would have been disqualified without his partner. Charlie Snowball, Junior’s brother-in-law was therefore brought in by helicopter this morning with the race officials to relieve the poor Tommy of his duties.

As for Harry Okpik, according to Joe Annanack, who was sent from Kangisualujjuaq yesterday to go help retrieve the dogs that had left their master behind, Billy Dan May, who, as part of the safety patrol, was closing the trail, had picked up Harry’s partner, Junior Tukkiapik, to go and get the dogs, which had made it as far as Peter Kiatainaq’s team, who they were following. Since one-legged musher had already set up camp when his dogs left him behind and that it was already getting late by the time he got them back, he and his partner decided to call it a day and spend the night there yesterday. Dead last, but happy to have their dogs safe and sound, they were hopeful to catch up to the rest of the teams this morning.

On their way back to Kuujjuaq by helicopter at about 10 AM, the race officials flew over the first five dog teams, which had all passed the Marralik River safety and communications camp by then. Peter Kiatainaq’s team was still in the lead. Regardless of his partner’s mishap, Junior May had managed to gain ground all the way up to the second position, having passed three teams, including Willie Cain Jr.’s, which followed behind in third position at the time. In fourth came Allen Gordon’s team, followed by Novalinga Novalinga’s team, in fifth position.

But at the time of writing, support crew Etua Koneak, who is positioned at Whale River (Ungunniavik) with Bobby Papak, notified the race officials that Peter Kiatainaq’s team was already across the river, up on top, way ahead of the other teams, on the plateau, on his way to False River (Atsasijuq). Behind, Willie Cain Jr.’s team, back in second place, had already started to cross the river, while Junior May’s, Allen Gordon’s and Novaling Novalinga’s teams were still on their way down towards the river, neck and neck.

According to the race officials, if all goes well, the first dog team could be in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik’s biggest community and the region’s administrative centre, late this afternoon, followed by the other teams in the top five around supper time, while others may come in later in the evening or only tomorrow morning.

When they start crossing the great Koksoak River, the dog teams should be in sight from the beach in front of the community, where they are expected to reach this first checkpoint, after which they will have to stop for an 18-hour mandatory and well-deserved rest before they get going again.

Although not all the dog teams seem to have their SPOT tracking devices in function, the Live Tracking webpage, which can be accessed through the Ivakkak website here, is still a good indicator of their progress.

People in Kuujjuaq can also stay tuned to the local radio station, 97.3 FM, which will be notified by the race officials as soon as the first dog teams start closing in.

More news to come afterwards…

Kuujjuaq – Night of March 15 to 16, 2012, 2 AM – The race officials, along with the Kuujjuaq IPL students of Jaanimmarik School, didn’t get much sleep during the night of March 14 to 15, as two other dog teams came in after the top five.

Willie Kulula’s team pulled in at 12:36 AM last night, still in good spirits, even though they went through ups and downs on the trail, making for sore muscles from running alongside the dogs going up and working hard to hold back the sled going down.

Though it was way past most people’s bedtime, it wasn’t time to call it the night yet, as Noah Ningiuruvik’s team was still on the move and made it to Kuujjuaq in the wee hours of the morning, at 4:41 AM, after which everybody in charge was happy to catch a couple of hours of sleep before sunrise, expecting other teams to come in the morning.

But Peter Boy Ittukallak’s team was the only one to make it to the checkpoint late in the morning, just before lunch, at 11:25 AM, as Aakutaaq’s and Johnny Arnatuq’s teams were just passed Whale River (Ungunniavik) and Harry Okpik’s and Billy Cain’s still far behind just passed Tuttutuuq at the time.

Harry’s team, who was doing well the first day of the race before he lost his dogs, had another mishap the day after, on Wednesday. One of their sled runners broke on the trail and they had to stop to repair it. Due to this, Harry’s team wasn’t able to cover much ground that day as well. And since then, Billy Cain’s team seems to have decided to stay nearby in case the one-legged musher needed more assistance, as they are now traveling fairly close to each other.

By the time Peter Boy made it to Kuujjuaq, the weather was already getting quite gusty and soon after, heavy wet snow started falling. To ensure everybody’s safety, the race officials had no choice but to postpone the departure of the dog teams that had arrived last night by a day. Of course, to be fair to all, the dog teams that still have to come in should also be given the extra 24 hours for the layover in Kuujjuaq.

This new delay gave the mushers and their partners extra time to rest, but also to dry their equipment and take care of their dogs, with the help of the race’s official veterinarian, Julie Ducrocq, who spent the day creaming paws and dispensing liquids to some dehydrated dogs. Some even took this opportunity to try and lighten their sled load, in hopes to gain more speed on the trail ahead without compromising their safety, still carrying necessary supplies and the mandatory equipment required.

At the end of the day, Johnny “Aakutaaq” Angnatuk’s SPOT signaled for help, as he had veered off course, heading towards Old Fort Chimo, a little too far down across the Kuujjuaq River, where the community then called Fort Chimo was settled until the late 1950s. Shortly thereafter, the Kuujjuaq Canadian Rangers were called in to go check on the team and point them out in the right direction, as the weather was finally clearing up. Having traveled in wet snow most of the day, Aakutaaq and his son Sammy Angnatuk were happy to change into the dry clothes brought by the Rangers.

Meanwhile, Harry Okpik’s and Billy Cain’s teams, still too far to make it to Kuujjuaq at a decent time, decided to make camp for the night, sheltered in the trees, up on top, just before Whale River (Ungunniavik).

Since the Rangers were out, they also went to check up on the other Johnny Arnatuq’s team, who was making a detour down the False River, trying to find the trail. Once back on the right path, thanks to the Rangers guidance, the team decided to push on. Past midnight, the teammates’ headlamps started shimmering in the distance, all the way across the river. The tired duo made it to Kuujjuaq at 1:15 AM, happy to see that a few locals were still around to welcome them and to have some hot tea in the tent set up by the Jaanimmarik School IPL students, who had been expecting them, on duty at the checkpoint all night again, under the Northern lights.

At the time of writing, Aakutaaq’s team, which was also expected to come in, was still not in sight, but they could still arrive overnight. Check back in the morning to find out through the latest standings, as only time will tell…

Photo Gallery…

Kangiqsualujjuaq – Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 6 PM

Excitement was at its peak this morning on the sea ice in front of the community, where only a few decades ago, Inuit used to meet the occasional plane by dog team to get supplies. This time, Kangiqsualujjuamiut were gathered on the bay to witness the departure, not of a plane, but of the twelve dog teams registered in this 11th edition of Ivakkak, the Inuit of Nunavik’s very own dog sled race.

After the morning prayer to wish the Ivakkak 2012 participants safe travels, the sun peaked out from behind the clouds and it was time for the mushers and their partners to harness their dogs, pack up their sleds and get ready to go. As race officials announced the imminent start, the crowd started counting down: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

“Uit! Uit!” shouted the mushers, signaling their canine lineup to go, as they promptly let go of their sled’s anchors, some running in front of their dog team to lead the way in this exhilarating mass start, others jumping on their sleds hastily so that they wouldn’t be left behind by the wound-up dogs. And just like that, they were gone, heading into the journey of a lifetime.

As the clouds closed in and light snow started falling, it soon became hard to see the dog teams in the distance. But reports kept coming in from local people who followed the trail by snowmobile for a bit or others who got the opportunity to go on helicopter tours offered by Nunavik Rotors, brought in courtesy of Makivik for local people to get a chance to follow the race progress from above, without causing any more disturbance on the trail.

Even though the dog teams had to maneuver through the mighty George River’s rough tidal ice with reduced visibility due to the low cloud ceiling and snow falling, most seemed to have managed just fine.

But for some, things didn’t go so smoothly. Harry Okpik’s dogs’ ropes got tangled on broken ice mounds, forcing a couple of teams behind to slow down and soon causing them to get tangled together, wasting precious time unraveling this big spaghetti of ropes, while Harry’s team was already on its way again.

Meanwhile, the five-time Ivakkak champion, Peter Kiatainaq and his team was rapidly gaining ground, taking the lead once again, already climbing the hill across the river, leaving other teams further behind as the weather cleared up, bringing about a beautiful day up on top.

Four hours into the race, when the Nunavik Rotors’ chopper headed back to Kuujjuaq, the Ivakkak titleholder from Kangiqsujuaq was still in the lead, heading down into a valley, through the narrowing trail in the trees and a series of lakes. He was followed a couple of miles behind by Novalinga Novalinga’s team from Puvirnituq. Willie Cain Jr.’s team from Tasiujaq and Harry Okpik’s team from Quaqtaq were not too far back at the time, tailing each other. Trailing a little further behind was Allen Gordon’s team from Kuujjuaq, who had preferred to wait and leave after the mass start this morning to avoid getting tangled with other teams, a strategy that seems to have paid off, since he was now in the top five.

But that was then. A couple of hours later, the race officials got signaled by Harry Okpik’s SPOT satellite messenger that he was in need of assistance. Thankfully, the one-legged musher and his partner, Junior Tukkiapik, were both O.K., but they were left behind on the trail by their dogs. Stopped to untangle their dogs’ ropes, they had unhooked the main line from their sled, and when the team behind came in, it prompted the dogs to go, leaving their masters without a ride. At the time of writing, a member of the Kangiqsualujjuaq support crew was on his way by snowmobile to go help the unfortunate musher hopefully retrieve his dogs without any further mishap.

In light of this, the line up may have also changed quite a bit. The dog teams’ progress can be tracked on our Live Tracking page in the Race Coverage section of this website, providing that all teams have their SPOT GPS tracking device turned on.

At the pace that the dog teams were going at, by 6 PM some had already passed the Tunulik 2 fishing camp, where some may settle for the night and others maybe even a little further, perhaps reaching the Tuttutuuq River (see Section 1 Map on The Race Trail in the Race Information section).

Stay tuned for more news by tomorrow…

Harry Okpik and Billy Cain, who were flown in late yesterday, went to the local Co-op store to get their share of supplies for the road, along with Inukshuk performance dry dog food provided by the FCNQ.

Meanwhile, race veterinarian Julie Ducrocq took this opportunity to make rounds and check up on her “patients”, 132 restless Inuit huskies settled on the sea ice out on the George River bay in front of the village, each team composed of 10 to12 hardy huskies.

At 2 PM, all Ivakkak participants gathered at the Kangiqsualujjuaq municipal office for a supplementary pre-race meeting with the race coordinators, which Peter Ittukallak, a participant from Puvirnituq, opened with a prayer, pleading for the group’s safety on the trail, but also that of their families left behind at home.

The main purpose of this second meeting was to make sure all participants knew how to use the SPOT GPS tracking devices that they were handed out yesterday and to remind them how important it was for them to turn them on while on the move during the race, not only for everybody to be able to track their progress, but especially for their own safety.

During this one-hour meeting, the participants were also handed out first aid kits and flares. Race Coordinator Charlie Watt Jr. also reminded the mushers and their partners of the use of the different buttons on the SPOT devices in case of an emergency, depending on the urgency of the situation at hand.

That being said, the Canadian Rangers in each community visited by the 2012 edition of Ivakkak, will be on stand-by in case of emergencies.

For the first leg of the race from Kangiqsualujjuaq to Kuujjuaq, no doubt the toughest, a Trail Safety Patrol composed of Billy May, his son Billy Dan and George Annanack, will also break trail and make sure everybody is doing O.K.

Safety and Communications Camps will also be set up at key locations by the Nayummivik Landholding Corporation of Kuujjuaq. Silas Snowball and Sammy Angma will be posted at Marralik River, where the tidal movement makes for rough and sheer ice, while Etua Koneak and Bobby Papak will be at Whale River (Ungnunniavik), where there are very steep slope, one going down and another going up on the other side of the river, to ensure a smooth passage.

If the weather forecast is right on again, the weather should clear up by morning. All mushers and their partners are therefore expected to be down on the bay by 8 AM at the latest to get ready for the start, which should be kicked off at 10 AM, this Tuesday, March 13.

Needless to say that everybody is very excited, not just the participants and race support crew, but all Nunavimmiut alike!

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