INUVIK
It might be time for the Inuvik Ski Club to install some photo equipment to decide tight races.

Kendall McDonald, left, and Fraser Pearce duelled to the end in the 10-km cross-country ski race at the 46th annual Top of the World Loppet April 13. They finished in a tie at 41:06. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

It would have been useful on April 13 when Kendall McDonald and Fraser Pearce finished in a tie for first spot in the men's over-18 10-kilometre race.

It was a classic contrast in styles as Pearce, who won the race by about one second last year, used his technique to keep pace with the much-larger McDonald, who relied on physical fitness and brute strength on the trail.

Both men finished with a time of 41:06, and it was simply too close to call at the finish line. Organizers said both of their boots crossed the line at the same instant.

"I thought he had me," Pearce panted after the race.

He had put on a final push to overtake McDonald, and it briefly appeared he might have succeeded.

"I really thought he had me at the end," Pearce said.

McDonald laughed at that.

Pearce said he thought he had a bit of a comfortable lead late in the second lap when he heard a set of skis coming up fast behind him.

McDonald, who has only started skiing seriously in the last year, was coming on strong.

McDonald saw it a little differently though, laughing as he recalled how, at one point in the race, Pearce was offering him advice on his technique.

"I told him I can take a lesson after the race," he said with a chuckle.

By that point, the two men were starting to tire, and keeping the race on a friendly basis.

Pearce said he hadn't been on the skis as much as he'd liked this season, and it showed in his conditioning.

"That was all technique," he said. "Kendall was all physical fitness."

McDonald's showing was even more impressive considering he fell twice, including at the mid-point turn in the race.

He said he's been on the trails "two or three times a week" since the weather started improving and the days grew longer.

If he keeps that up, and perfects his technique, he'll be a strong threat again next year.

The race was a personal best time for him, shaving around 10 minutes or so off his performance from last year.

Forty-two skiers showed up for the races, said club member Caroline Hunter.

The weather was ideal, with the temperature hovering at -3 C under intensely sunny skies.

Other notable performances included club president Robin Baron finishing first in the women's division in the five-km race.

"It's a beautiful day for this, and the races went great," she said. "It seemed like a good turnout, enough people for some good competition and some friendly competition."

She said the snow was a little soft in the warm conditions for skate skiing, but still quite good for racing.

"The season's been great. We still have events over the next two weekends. Sharon Firth, an ex-Olympian, will be running ski clinics next weekend and the weekend after."

The famous Hanthorn family of Fort McPherson also sent skiers, representing the next wave of siblings to the well-known sisters Annah and Ruth. The four siblings competing all did well, winning their divisions.

Melinda Gillis was one of the last racers to come in from the 10-km division, not that it bothered her.

She was out with her children and a family friend, she said, and the day was all about that.

"Sometimes the races are just about getting out for the day, and the weather is incredible."