Nunavik runners hit the pavement, win big in Hawaii half-marathon

Salluit Running Club coaches and runners in Hawaii, including Lucasie Amaamatuak, Larry Tumasai, Michael Cameron Jr., Mary Pootoo, Jason Alariaq and Akisuk Naluiyuk. Three runners placed in the top five of their categories. (PHOTO BY ABDULLAH KAFASHE)

Seventeen-year-old Joanasie Genest Saviadjuk placed first in the male 16–19 age group, with a time of 1:48:49. (PHOTO BY ABDULLAH KAFASHE)

Seven runners from Nunavik pounded the pavement last month in Hawaii, for victory, for fitness, and to help raise money for their hometown running club.

The seven youth from Salluit’s running club visited Hilo Hawaii to run a half-marathon as part of the Big Island International Marathon hosted there March 20.

That’s the largest group of Nunavik runners to take part so far; Salluit runner Mary Pootoo ran a half-marathon in Hawaii in 2014.

This time, coaches Maggie MacDonnell and Abdullah Kafashe brought along six more runners, sponsored by the North West Co.’s Health Horizons Foundation and a group of other regional organizations and businesses.

Three runners from Salluit placed among the top five of the 16- to 19-year male category: Joanasie Genest Saviadjuk, 17, finished first with a time of 1:48:49.

His teammate, Jason Alariaq, finished in 2:01, while Lucasie Amaamatuak completed the race with a time of 2:07:07.

“It was great,” said Amaamatuak, 18, who’s been running at home in Salluit for the last three years.

“The weather wasn’t too hot — it was raining most of the time. It’s so different through, compared to here in Salluit when it’s -25C.

“The event has some good moments and bad ones. But I feel good to have made it that far.”

For Saviadjuk, 17, he remembers crossing the finish line at the end of the event. Once he went into a tent to see how he did in the race, he was shocked to realize he finished first in his category.

“It was awesome,” Saviadjuk said.

Teammate Akisuk Naluiyuk is one of the few in the group who had even run in other another marathon before, a four-kilometre and 10-kilometre event in Halifax in 2013.

“This event has much harder and longer,” she laughed. “But I’m very happy about it. And I’m proud of everyone.”

All the Salluit runners came home big winners, since the marathon itself raised more than $200,000 for the NWC’s Health Horizons Foundation, which reinvests that money into healthy living programs in northern communities.

The Salluit running club alone raised $32,000.

“Their dedication to training shone through their perseverance throughout the course,” said the North West Co.’s Yvonne Anyon in a release.

“It’s a great honour to have members of the Healthy Horizons team place in top categories in the marathon.

“We are proud to provide supports and motivation for our communities to become involved in the creation and sustainability of their community programs.”

The other Salluit running club participants in Hawaii included Mary Pootoo, Michael Cameron Jr., Larry Tumasai, plus their coaches Maggie MacDonald and Abdullah Kafashe.

On the group’s way home from Hawaii to Nunavik, the running club also had a chance to tour McGill University’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education facilities and labs.