Randy and Sebastian Malleck triumphed in the Cain’s Quest snowmobile race for the second year in a row, crossing the finish line in Labrador City and securing the $100,000 prize. The father-son duo completed the race just before 10:30 a.m. AT on Friday to a warm reception from friends, family, and fans, with emotions running high and smiles all around.
“I feel incredible finishing the race with my son,” shared Randy Malleck with CBC News. The Mallecks, representing the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation in central Labrador, also clinched victory in the previous year’s race. They maintained a significant lead over their competitors, departing Churchill Falls at 6 a.m. on Friday.
The challenging conditions of this year’s race were evident from the frost burn on Randy and Sebastian’s faces as they reached the finish line. Out of the 18 initial teams, only eight were still in the running by Friday morning. The Mallecks expressed their intention to celebrate upon their return to Sheshatshiu.
Randy Malleck disclosed to CBC News his plan to donate a portion of their winnings to IWK Halifax, a women’s and children’s hospital and trauma center that supported his daughter. In the past, they had also contributed to the Janeway children’s hospital in St. John’s with their winnings.
Todd Kent, chairperson of Cain’s Quest, expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting the excitement of welcoming the champions back to Labrador West. The teams spent the night in Churchill Falls before setting off for the finish line to ensure a daytime finish.
All remaining teams are expected to complete the race by 4 p.m. AT, with the second-place finishers, Joshua Rose and Mike Elliott from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, crossing the finish line at 11:50 a.m. AT. The duo, both rookies, earned a prize of $15,000. Rose expressed gratitude for the support crew, while his mother, Roxanne, shared her pride in his accomplishment and the memory of his late father, Edmond.
The victorious spirit of the Mallecks and the perseverance of all participants in Cain’s Quest 2026 highlight the dedication and strength required to conquer this demanding snowmobile race.
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