Nunavut Quest dog team racers honoured in Arctic Bay

The dog team racers, (from left to right) Andy Attagutaaluttuk, Kevin Attagutaaluttu, Peter Siakuluk, Andrew Muckpa, Joeli Qaunaq, Moses Oyukuluk, Jonah Qaunaq and Titus Alooloo, who finished the Nunavut Quest dog team race from Igloolik to Arctic Bay received praise and prizes May 10 in Arctic Bay. (PHOTO BY CLARE KINES)

Speeches, performances and prizes awaited the dog team racers who finished this year’s Nunavut Quest race from Igloolik to Arctic Bay at the race’s closing ceremonies May 10 in Arctic Bay.

Andy Attagutaaluttuk of Igloolik won the race and a round-trip First Air ticket and $10,000, completing the course in 40 hours, 12 minutes and nine seconds.

Andrew Taqtu of Arctic Bay, who came in second to win $5,000 [a correction over previously reported amount], arrived in Arctic Bay from Igloolik after 42 hours, eight minutes and 45 seconds, followed by Peter Siakuluk of Hall Beach who arrived third, to win $2,500, after 43 hours, five minutes and 44 seconds.

The times of the other racers:

• Jonah Qaunaq (Igloolik) 45:9: 36

• Moses Oyukuluk (Arctic Bay) 45:35 :57

• Kevin Attagutaaluttuk (Igloolik) 46:39: 14

• Titus Alooloo (Pond Inlet) 48:42: 42

• Joeli Qaunaq (Arctic Bay) 51:14: 19

The Arctic Bay alcohol education committee gave the racers and the snowmobilers who accompanied them $50 each.

Next year’s race will see mushers head from Repulse Bay to Igloolik.