Race is delayed until Tuesday March 28, 2017

The 16^th annual Ivakkak dog team race is delayed until Tuesday March 28, 2017

 Umiujaq, QC, March 26, 2017 – All thirteen teams have arrived in Umiujaq with 153 dogs in total for the Ivakkak 2017 race that begins in Umiujaq with community stops in Inukjuak, Puvirnituq, Akuluvik and a finish line in Ivujivk. The Ivakkak 2017 race was set to begin tomorrow, but due to the forecasted high winds it has been postponed. Two teams from Puvirnituq arrived a day late today due to bad weather—it takes 24 hours for the dogs to recover after the stressful flight— and to be fair to all the racers, the officials decided to start the race on Tuesday March 28, 2017, weather permitting.

Here is the 2017 Ivakkak starting line-up:

Team #1: Musher Allen Gordon, partner: Johnny “Mangik” Kooktook
Team #2: Musher Harry Okpik, partner: Mathew Okpik
Team #3: Musher Peter Ittukallak, partner: Putugu Iqiquq
Team #4: Musher Jani-Marik Beaulne, partner: Peter Novalinga
Team #5: Musher Billy Cain, partner: Charlie Cain
Team #6: Musher Junior May, partner: Jiika Cain Snowball
Team #7: Musher Sandy Jaaka Anahatak, partner: Peter Qisiiq
Team #8: Musher Novalinga Novalinga, partner: Johnny Sivaurapik
Team #9: Musher Junior Tukkiapik, partner: Adamie Michaud
Team #10: Musher Aisa Surusilak, partner: Aiplie Qumaluk
Team #11: Musher Willie Cain, partner: Putulik Cain Saunders
Team #12: Musher Alec Aupaluk, partner: Markusi Nuvuka
Team #14: Musher George Kauki, partner: Aloupa Kauki

Ron Gordon of Makivik Corporation is the Coordinator of the race and Juani Beaulne of Puvirnituq is the Assistant Coordinator on the field. Johnny Oovaut is the Marshal of the race and will be on snowmobile throughout the trail of the race.