Peplinski wins Nunavut's 320-km dogsled race

Iqaluit musher Lynn Peplinski won the grueling Qimualaniq Quest dogsled race on the weekend, defeating four other teams who took part in the 320-kilometre competition.

The second annual race, which runs from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and back, began on March 15.

Peplinski won $5,000 for her efforts. She said it was a tough trail for the mushers, who had to deal with blizzards and hip-deep snow in some places.

Musher Siu-Ling Han placed second, and Sarah McNair-Landry took third.

Eric McNair-Landry was fourth and Toby Thorleifsson fifth.

Race co-ordinator Paul Crowley said a member of the Canadian Rangers was injured during the race after his snowmobile fell into a crevasse. He was sent to hospital for medical treatment.

Organizers hope to attract more teams with Inuit dogs next year, especially from other communities in the south Baffin region.