Victory for a tenacious participant

Inutsiaq Villadsen, 11 years old from Ilulissat, won Avannaata Qimussersuaaraa 2026 in Qasigiannguit.

– It's fantastic, Inutsiaq Villadsen tells AG about the victory.

He completed the race in 22 minutes and 13 seconds, KNQK Qimussersuaaq reports on its Facebook page.

As Inutsiaq Villadsen approached the finish line, his parents were very excited.

– It was absolutely fantastic. It's hard to explain, but it was great to see the result of all the work, practice and the mistakes that have been corrected along the way, say Inutsiaq's parents, Maannguaq Danielsen and Steen Villadsen.

It wasn't the first time that Inutsiaq Villadsen participated in Avannaata Qimussersuaaraa. In 2024, he also competed in Ilulissat, where he was among the first to arrive, but was hit by another sled, got tangled in other dogs and was bitten by another driver's dogs.

– He was a little hesitant. It was as if his courage was slowly coming back, but he did not give up despite the challenges, says Steen Villadsen.

Many people have helped pave the way for Inutsiaq Villadsen's success.

– We owe a big thank you to his grandparents and his uncles, says Steen Villadsen. And not least to his grandmother, Ulrikka Brandt, who has always supported him and encouraged him to continue.