Randy and Sebastian Malleck have crossed the finish line in Labrador City — winning their second consecutive Cain’s Quest and capturing the $100,000 prize.
The father and son duo finished the race just before 10:30 a.m. AT on Friday, being swarmed by friends, family and fans.
There were tears, cheers and plenty of smiling faces as they came across the finish line.
“I feel amazing coming into the finish line with my son,” Randy Malleck told CBC News. “What an amazing feeling.”
Randy and Sebastian — hailing from Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation in central Labrador — also won the last race in 2024. They were hours ahead of the competition on Friday morning, leaving Churchill Falls at 6 a.m.
It was a particularly gruelling race this year — as evidenced by the frost burn on Randy and Sebastian’s cheeks at the finish line.
Of the 18 teams that set out on the first leg of the race, only eight remained as of Friday morning.
The Mallecks said they plan on celebrating once they get back home in Sheshatshiu.
Father-son racers are back-to-back winners of Cain’s Quest
Cain’s Quest chairperson Todd Kent said the race has been all he could hope for, and was thrilled to see the fans welcoming the champions back to Labrador West.
“It kind of makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. You know, to see everybody come out. It’s just, I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just exciting,” Kent said.
Teams spent the night in Churchill Falls before beginning the journey to the finish line in order for the race to have a daytime finish.
Race officials expect all remaining teams to cross the finish line by 4 p.m. AT.
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