The Avannaata Qimussersua stands apart from other renowned dog races, such as the Finnmarksløpet—a grueling 1,200 km journey across Northern Norway—and the Iditarod in Alaska, which emphasize endurance over prolonged periods. Instead, the Avannaata Qimussersua is a vibrant celebration of speed and purity.

Known as The Great Race of the North, it has gained worldwide attention recently, for political reasons. Participants are permitted only the most basic sledges and handheld dog ropes, with these ropes ingeniously replaced by lengths of fishing net cord. The musher’s experience is further stripped down, as they navigate the course seated on a flat deck devoid of harnesses or safety aids—save for the mandatory GoPro hat-cam that captures their extraordinary adventure.

During the race’s buildup in Ilulissat, the atmosphere will buzz with storytelling and spirited competition. This event is more than a race; it is a revered rite of passage for local teenagers, imbued with folklore and excitement. Winning the race or even earning the privilege to start is respected, accompanied by free beer and long-lasting honor within the community. Securing a position in this prestigious event demands years of relentless training and a profound bond with the dogs. Remarkably, Ilulissat is home to an official canine population of 2,500, a testament to the town’s unique relationship with its four-legged competitors.

National Pride in Greenland: Dog Sled Racing

In recent years, the Avannaata Qimussersua has emerged as a powerful symbol of national pride, offering indigenous peoples a platform to assert their deep connection to their lands and cultural heritage in the context of historical colonial impacts.

To witness the launch of 36 teams from the starting line is nothing short of breathtaking, evoking the exhilarating chaos of an aerial scene from a ‘Frozen’ version of Mad Max: Fury Road. Mushers must navigate through a narrow gap at the entrance of the mountain valley, all while carefully avoiding tangles with fellow mushers’ dogs. While grit and skill are indispensable, an element of luck also plays a crucial role. Once the teams disappear from the spectators’ view, the wilderness often sees random dogs return like homing pigeons—having been released by their mushers for their safety.

At a comfortable -25°C and under an occasionally clouded sky, mushers and spectators alike often find ideal conditions to witness the dramatic return of the competitors amidst a wondrous celebratory ritual.

The 40 km course takes approximately an hour to complete, allowing the audience to indulge in snacks, play in the snow, and unwind, while spotters with scopes and binoculars can keep an alert watch. Locals can eagerly prepare their drones to capture the final moments of the race across the frozen expanse leading to the finish line.

As the dogs race at full speed, they rely on an alternative system for halting their momentum, given the absence of an effective brake on their sledges. Locals, armed with drones, will launch them to document the thrilling finish, while mushers rely on their team members to lay out a path of raw meat at the finish line.

Notes from a Spectator in 2024

From an account by a spectator in 2024 as they highlighted, “that without this tantalizing incentive, the dogs would run tirelessly, continuing into town without pause.”

They continued, “thus, a breathtaking ritual unfolded each time a musher crossed the finish line. Team members strategically positioned themselves: one with binoculars to spot the incoming musher, while another rolled out a substantial tub of raw meat, skillfully spreading it in the path of the oncoming dog team. The most exhilarating moments transpired as, within milliseconds of stopping to devour the meat, additional team members, family, and supporters rushed around the sled. A race official presented the musher with the national flag and medal, lifting both musher and sled above their heads amid cheers, excitement, laughter, and tears. This precise choreography, executed in under a minute, occurred repeatedly, showcasing the spirit of competition and camaraderie.”

Further the spectator continues, “we proudly present the Avannaata Qimussersua 2024 race winner, Thomas Thygesen from Saattu, along with many of his fellow competitors as they cross the finish line. To immerse yourself further in the region’s beauty, I invite you to explore the gallery, Avannaata’s Analogous Light, which showcases the town and its stunning landscapes.”