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KANGIQTUGAAPIK/CLYDE RIVER
Caleb Paneak took the plunge for his family, entering a hamlet day race through the icy cold waters off Clyde River July 3.

Caleb Paneak lunges toward the finish line to win a foot race through the waters off Clyde River July 3 during hamlet day celebrations. - photo courtesy of Jackorasee Iqaqrialu

"I was wearing my regular clothes," Paneak said after besting about 10 other men in event. "We had to run around a boulder and come back to the starting line. The water went up to my waist, that's how deep it was. It wasn't salty, so it was easier to run through."

After officials started the race, others got out in front of Paneak, but he stayed focused on winning a cash prize for his family.

"I was not in the lead at first," he recalled. "I think it was Kenny Piungituq and Tommy Kautaq. They were leading but since I'm a little bit taller than them, once we got to deeper water, I took advantage. I got into the lead just before we went around the boulder."

He kept that lead and hit the shore before realizing how cold the water was.

"I was in the water for a minute or two. At first it wasn't that cold, but afterwards, when I went to the land, it was a little bit windy, so it got cold," he said, noting he failed to bring anything to dry off. "One of my cousins brought a towel along with her, so I used her towel."

Paneak used the $100 prize money he won to buy food for his family. Michelle Illauq won in the women's race.

"It was a big hit for hamlet day," said recreation co-ordinator Nina Qillaq. "Lots of people came in to watch. It was scary and exciting at the same time. It was pretty cold. There was still ice."

That turned off Jackorasee Iqaqrialu, who chose to stay on dry land and take photos of the fun.

"I wanted to join, but it seemed like it was cold," Iqaqrialu said. "It was fun to watch. If it was nice weather, I might join."

It was the first time for an organized foot race through the waters in the hamlet, Qillaq said, but Paneak said it wasn't his first time taking a dip.

"I go in to sea water once in a blue moon," he said, noting others do as well. "Especially when we have warm weather."

He says it's important to keep a youthful attitude about such things.

"Go out there and have fun, and think of your childhood," he said. "I was thinking of my childhood when I was going through the water. I'll keep on doing it as long as I can."

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