Cain’s Quest is the world’s toughest and longest snowmobile endurance race. It is an incredible 3,300km off-trail riding adventure where teams of two battle in an all-out race through deep snow and thick wooded areas in some of the most remote parts of Labrador, Canada.
The race kicked off in Labrador West on 1st March 2014, and continued through 20 checkpoints, first bringing racers through central Labrador to L’Anse au Loup on the south coast. From there, they started a northern journey through many coastal communities to Nain before making their way back to Labrador West.
The notion of organising a snowmobile race in Labrador had been discussed for quite some time. Considering the potential for winter tourism, there was a desire to attract visitors from beyond the region. Labrador needed a special occasion that would shine a spotlight on the area as a premier snowmobiling destination. It had to be a long-standing event with economic benefits, as well as something novel, thrilling, and popular on a global scale. Given Labrador's reputation for its lengthy winter season and rugged terrain, it seemed only fitting to create an event that would showcase the genuine beauty of this northern region. A world-class snowmobile endurance race appeared to be a perfect match. With plans set in motion, Cain's Quest became a reality and would surpass all expectations, becoming an extraordinary triumph.
Why is it called Cain's Quest?
The name represents the adventure the race promises to be and captures the essence of the land that hosts it. Following the story of one of Jacques Cartier’s famous expeditions to North America, Cain’s Quest came from a reference that Cartier made to the harsh landscape. He referred to the coast of Labrador as “The land God gave to Cain”. From this story and the vision of the race, Cain’s Quest was born.
Cain's Quest made its debut in 2006, with 15 teams competing in a thrilling race from Labrador City to Churchill Falls and back, spanning a challenging 1200 km. This race would soon establish itself as the longest of its kind in Canada. It quickly became evident that there was a tremendous appetite for this type of extreme sport. The race unfolded seamlessly, with racers transmitting satellite signals along the route to cainsquest.com. The website received hits from across Canada and the United States, underscoring the growing interest in this captivating race. The competition remained dynamic throughout, keeping spectators on their toes until the very end when the winning team emerged seemingly out of nowhere.
From 2006 – 2009, Cain’s Quest grew in leaps and bounds and word of this extraordinary adventure spread like wildfire! In only 4 short years, registration for Cain’s Quest increased by a whopping 333% and millions were watching from more than 70 different countries across the globe. To date, Cain’s Quest has attracted racers from across the country as well as various U.S. states. Not only has participation rates been on the rise, the race itself has grown in terms of route distance, community involvement and prize money.
It is estimated that the 2014 route will take five to six days to complete. Racers must brave sub-zero cold, up to -40C! Poor visibility and deep snow will also be a factor. The racers will have to push their snowmobiles and bodies to the limits in order to reach the finish line. Weather can play a major role in completion time.
Speaking of time, racers are always “on the clock” unless on a mandatory layover. Racers depart from the start line in 2 minute intervals; when they cross it, their clock begins and will be adjusted for time delays at checkpoint #1 (Churchill Falls). During race week all team times are recorded and updated on the website.
Cain’s Quest with YB Tracking's help will be bringing the race into the homes of race fans and snowmobile enthusiasts across the globe. Each team will be equipped with a YB3 satellite tracking unit which enables visitors to log onto cainsquest.com and watch the race in near real time. Not only is this an added safety feature for the teams, but it allows race followers to cheer on the favourite teams and watch the race changing from moment to moment.