Ivakkak 2010 celebrates the closing ceremony in Kuujjuaq
Top three medalists of Ivakkak 2010 (Photo: Pierre Dunnigan / Makivik)
After 11 days and 450 killometers out on the land from the mushers arrived to Kuujjuaq from Quaqtaq. It was a rainy morning when the dog teams set off at 9:05 AM on April 1st to reach the finish line in Stewart Lake just outside of Kuujjuaq. It rained during the first third of race where the snow was soft and and the visibility was not so good then the rain stopped and the wind picked up which helped harden the snow making it easier for the dogs to run on. In total the dog teams travelled 61.5 kilometers. A large crowd was at the finish line waiting for them teams to arrive and helicopter rides were given to those who wanted to see the dog teams from an aerial view. The medal hand out at the finish line was delayed to more rain.
The following day a feast was organized by the community and prizes were given to mushers courtesy of the local Northern Village. The medal ceremony took place after everyone ate and later on in the evening, there was a fireworks display in honor of the 10th anniversary of Ivakkak. At the feast, there was cake contest baked by community members with Ivakkak designs where the third place winner was handed $100, second place $200 and first place got $300.
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