The mushers and their partners did their final preparations yesterday such as shopping for their food and supplies at the local Puvirnituq Co-op store and fine tuning their sleds.

As the departure day came with clear blue skies, there was excitement in the air, the mushers were all at the site by 9:30 to where the dogs were tied who were howling and eager to begin their journey. Many volunteers, community members and school children accompanied by their teachers made it to the departure site to show their support. It was like a continuation for the culturally themed Puvinituq Snow festival that took place the week before.

Billy Cain and his partner Arther Munick of Tasiujaq were the first to take off at 10:30 followed by one minute intervals between each team departures. There was loud and enthusiastic cheers’ for each teams from the crowds especially for the Puvirnituq participants, naturally.

This 10th edition race marks the first time in Ivakkak history where an official veterinarian, Julie Ducrocq, is a part of the Ivakkak team. Julie has worked in the Nunavik region before so she is familiar with the vast territory. The first day on the job, Julie had to tend to 10-12 dogs who suffered minor injuries on their paws from the bristly terrain.

A total distance of 67 kilometers was achieved today where the teams set up camp at a place called Niaqunnguuq. Everyone was in good spirits and they were all happy to be out on the land, helping each other out setting up camp for the night.

10:00 AM will be the departure time from Niaqunnguuq to Akulivik. Another beautiful day is in the forecast for tomorrow.