Ivakkak race kicks off after weather delay
Eight teams will be competing in this year’s dogsledding event
A team of sled dogs rests during a stop in Kuujjuaq during last year’s Ivakkak race. The 2026 event, was to start Wednesday at noon after being postponed due to poor weather conditions. (File photo by Cedric Gallant)
The Ivakkak dogsled race was to get underway Wednesday at noon after it was postponed earlier this week due to poor weather conditions.
Organizers provided the update Wednesday morning on the official Ivakkak Facebook page.
The 530-kilometre race will kick off in Akulivik and the route will take mushers and their teams to Quaqtaq, making it the 24th edition since the race started in 2001.
Blizzard conditions in Aupaluk ended Wednesday morning but strong winds will keep picking up snow, reducing visibility with gusts up to 70 km/h, the forecast warns.
This year, eight teams will compete in the race, including two each from Tasuijaq, Kangiqsujuaq, Puvirnituq, and one each from Aupaluk and Kuujjuaq.
Charlie Angnatuk, who won last year’s race, is competing again with a new partner, Itsaja Angnatuk.
Thanks to Makivvik for choosing Akulivik for the start of this years race. Best of luck to ALL the teams! Safe travels!