Nunavut Quest starts with large crowd on hand to cheer mushers
Nine competitors in race from Igloolik to Pond Inlet
Nine mushers and their teams have set out from Igloolik on their way to the finish line in Pond Inlet, for this year’s Nunavut Quest. (Photo by Dustin Patar, special to Nunatsiaq News)
Mushers in the Nunavut Quest travelled 68 kilometres northeast from their starting line in Igloolik to Qikiqtaarjuk Island on Thursday, the first day of the race.
Originally set to start Tuesday, the race was delayed two days by severe weather. Mushers are working their way across frozen sea ice and northern Baffin Island to Pond Inlet, about 500 kilometres away from Igloolik.
A big crowd was waiting Thursday down at the sea ice for the dog mushers and snowmobile drivers. Everyone wished the mushers and their support teams luck. There was much cheering and goodbyes.
The route took the mushers past a polynya, an area of Arctic water that never freezes. It was a very beautiful view from afar.
By the time the mushers made it to Qikiqtaarjuk Island, the wind had calmed down and the sun was still out. It was a bit of a long day, but enjoyable. The teams were patient.
Musher Tom Naqitarvik was first to arrive with Jinneal Nanuraq Uttak behind him. The rest of the racers arrived in camp in the following order:
- Tom Naqitarvik (#2)
- Jinneal Nanuraq Uttak (#5)
- Lee Inuarak (#1)
- Donovan Qaunaq (#7)
- Daniel Inuarak (#8)
- Owen Jaworenko (#3)
- Peter Henry Arnatsiaq (#9)
- Roland Taqtu (#6)
- Natalino Piugattuq (#4)
The race was scheduled to resume Friday.
Way to go guys. LETS GO TOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!