Our Team

Co-owner/Head Guide/Educator
Jovan Simic
Jovan founded Kool Runnings in 2019 with an idea of creating an outfitting company that can support and run youth programs, as well as train young adventure guides. These days Jovan splits his time between a dog sled and a boat.
587-999-6778

Co-Owner/Educator/Cultural Guru
Aliqa Illauq
Aliqa is originally from Kangitugaapik, where she was brought up in a traditional Inuit home spending time on the land with family and the elders. Aliqa takes pride in sharing Nunavut's beauty through Inuit culture, history, philosophy and language, as it has been passed down to her.
613-818-0397

Guide/Future Veterinarian
Leetia Eegeesiak
Leetia was born and raised in Iqaluit. She grew up with a dog team, mastering her skills as a musher and hunter in the harsh Arctic environment. Leetia is currently studying at UPEI to become a vet. When she is not busy with her school she guides dog sledding and skidoo trips and runs summer youth programs.

High Arctic Operations Director / Head Guide
Devon Manik
Devon Manik was born and raised in Resolute Bay, Nunavut. Arguably the coldest place on earth :). Devon started his own dog team when he was 15 years old, learning from his grandparents, other elders and dog mushers' stories. He has kept the Inuit traditions alive through hunting with his dog and sharing the experiences with others.
867-228-0156

Guide
Elaina Illauq
Elaina, also known as Wawa, has been guiding with our dogs since she was 16 years old. When she is not playing hockey she loves sharing the trail with others and showing them hidden gems of Iqaluit, whether on a dog team or a skidoo.
CANINE UNIT

VUK
Happily retired lead dog

MITTIMA
Happily retired

KINAI
Oldest puller - Kinai is 10

RAGNAR
Happy puller

CHE
Lead & boss dog

PAUNAQ
Our very first dog. Paunaq served us from 2015-2025

MINNIK
Wheel dog - eats way too much

Zo
The energetic one


