Perry Akavak wins race from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and back Sunday, part of Toonik Tyme festivities
Perry Akavak says it was a “good day” after winning the 2026 Kimmirut race, which took participants from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and back on Sunday. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
Arty Sarkisian – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
There were a lot of cheers from Perry Akavak’s supporters as his snowmobile roared across the finish line on the Iqaluit sea ice Sunday to win the annual 2026 Kimmirut race.
“I pushed hard and I made it,” said Akavak, who is from Pangnirtung. “And I made my father, friends and family happy.”
He was one of 24 people who participated in the roughly 250-kilometre race from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and back as part of the annual Toonik Tyme spring celebration in Iqaluit. It took about four hours for all racers to finish the course on the cold but sunny day.
“It was a good day,” Akavak said.
About 200 cars were parked on the ice as people gathered to watch the finish.
“I feel very proud to represent women today,” said Mary Rose Kilabuk, who was the only female participant in the race, finishing in 11th place.
“I have been wanting to participate for a few years and my brother has been encouraging me, but this is my first time,” she said, with her snowmobile parked next to one owned by her brother Alex Kilabuk, who started the race but did not finish.
As the winner, Akavak received a prize of $12,400. Second-place finisher Luti Ipeeli received $6,070, and in third place Rock Kakuktinniq was awarded $4,070.
Akavak said he doesn’t know yet how he will spend his winnings but said it will be for his family.
“My family are gonna be first priority,” he said. “Just settle down and just go from there.”