Ten percent of the territory is walking to Tuk

More than 4,700 people have registered for the Walk to Tuk in 2019 – a number that, for the first time, represents more than 10 percent of the territory.

The popular winter challenge, which runs throughout January and February of each year, sees teams log their hours of exercise to conceptually ‘walk’ 1,658 km along the Mackenzie River from Fort Providence to Tuktoyaktuk.

The NWT Parks and Recreation Association (NWTRPA) said 363 teams representing 30 Northwest Territories communities – and other communities across the country – had registered this year.

Approximately 240 registrants are from outside the NWT.

Two teams have already completed the walk – Dettah’s Seoti Drygeese team, who had logged a remarkable 4,588 km as of Wednesday morning, and Yellowknife’s Mobile Maintenance Department of GK, who have walked the exact 1,658-km distance.

“Some people are very fast,” laughed Stephanie Miklosovic of the NWTRPA, adding that while registration for new teams has closed, people can continue to join existing teams throughout the challenge.

The NWTPRA said since Walk to Tuk began in 2010, more than 22,000 people have taken part.

Last year, a total of 4,404 people participated, meaning 2019’s edition already boasts nearly 300 more participants.