Five Snow Challenge racers break three-hour record

SARA MINOGUE

Race organizers predicted this would be the year that Snow Challenge racers broke the three-hour record, and it was.

Ricky Kilabuk of Pangnirtung came in first, with a time of just two hours and forty-eight minutes. The previous record, held by Bobby Gordon of Kuujjuaq, was three hours and two minutes.

Kilabuk took home $14,450 in prize money. Second place winner Albert Netser (2:51:36) won $5,350. In third place, Anuga Michael (2:53:25) won $4,250.

One racer was injured during the race. Joeffrey Kalujak was taken by helicopter to the Baffin Regional Hospital where he was treated for a concussion.

Paul Gordon of Kujjuaq received the sportsmanship award for stopping to help Kalujak, and throwing away his chance of winning. At a banquet held in the Kamotik Inn on Saturday night, he received $250, a sports bag, and a Nunavut Snow Challenge poster signed by the competitors.

Altogether, 22 out of 40 competitors completed the trip to Kimmirut and back. The remaining racers are:

* Roger Alivaktak, 2:56:15, $1,000
* Joanasie Kilabuk, 2:58:30, $1,000
* Jimmy Gordon, 3:01:35, $1,000
* Ted Irniq, 3:01:37, $500
* Miki Lyta, 3:03:15, $500
* Stephen Kleist, 3:05:09, $500
* Junior May, 3:09:38. $500
* Daniel Kaludjak, 3:17:28
* Romeo Kuglugiak, 3:17:46
* Larry Ittinuar, 3:18:35
* Johnny Sequaluk, 3:19:06
* Jamesie Nauyuk, 3:20:20
* Sylvain Degrasse, 3:27:02
* Steven Inukshuk, 3:28:57
* Corey Levesque, 3:37:19
* Eegeesiak Aningmiuq, 3:42:57
* Sakeasie Kilabuk, 3:57:10
* Dave Sowdluapik, 4:05:49
* Mikijuk Akavak, 4:10:10

Organizers thank Nunasi Corp., Woddies, Globalstar, Atas Van Lines, Nunavut Emergency Management and Canadian North for their sponsorship and support.

They also thank the two emergency medical technicians from the Iqaluit Fire Department who joined the helicopter rescue on their day off, and Premier Paul Okalik who supported the race, and volunteers.