The 2015 Ivakkak dog team race began today at 10am in Kuujjuaraapik. The Ivakkak dog team racers travelled 83.5 KM today. Peter Itukallak arrived first after 7 hours and 19 minutes of racing. Novalinga Novalinga came in 2nd and Harry Okpik came in third. Everything went well for all racers.
They came across some fog which cleared as well as some winds later on that also cleared. They finished the first leg of the race to a nice orange sunset. Later they set up camp under the Northern lights. They will resume the race tomorrow morning at 9am and arrive in Umiujaq around 5pm
1st Day Standing Results
| RANK # | TEAM NAME | RACER | PARTNER | TEAM # | COMMUNITY | TODAY'S TIME | TOTAL TIME TODAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ittukallak | Peter Ittukallak | Juani Nutaraaluk | 5 | Puvirnituq | 7:18:54 | 7:18:54 |
| 2 | Novalinga | Novalinga Novalinga | Juani Uqaituq | 10 | Puvirnituq | 7:21:14 | 7:21:14 |
| 3 | Okpik | Harry Okpik | Gary-Joe Angnatuk | 6 | Quaqtaq | 7:28:24 | 7:28:24 |
| 4 | Surusilak | Aisa Surusilak | Richard Surusilak | 9 | Puvirnituq | 7:35:17 | 7:35:17 |
| 5 | Gordon | Allen Gordon | Johnny Mangi Kooktook | 3 | Kuujjuaq | 7:41:22 | 7:41:22 |
| 6 | Cain | Willie Cain Jr. | Daniel Cain Annahatak | 4 | Tasiujaq | 8:02:22 | 8:02:22 |
| 7 | Kauki | George Kauki | Bryan David | 7 | Kuujjuaq | 8:14:44 | 8:14:44 |
| 8 | May | Junior May | Ahuya Snowball May | 8 | Kuujjuaq | 8:29:10 | 8:29:10 |
| 9 | Elisiapik | Zackariasie Elisiapik | Simon Ningeok | 2 | Inukjuak | 8:48:27 | 8:48:27 |
| 10 | Cain | Billy Cain | David Nayome | 1 | Tasiujaq | 8:49:45 | 8:49:45 |
Merci. Good to know what weather the teams have been experiencing. The mushers are very strong with endurance and courage. A calming way to end the day.
correction on Harry Okpik’s pardner.. Gary-Joe Angnatuk
Good luck to all racers. Nunavimmiut are proud of all the mushers and their partners keeping the tradition alive. I hope the “Spot” indicators will be activated soon so that we can follow the racers on the internet ,if the person responsible is incapable, there should be a replacement assigned to look after this immediately.