Sledding against the clock: Last minute Mistissini rally still draws good crowd

With 49 racers in five categories, $15,000 in cash prizes and over 400 people in attendance, Mistissini’s Snowmobile Challenge 2016 was a great success. According to organizer Blazo Voyageur, however, organizing the event took place at the last minute as it wasn’t until March 15 that the Mistissini band council approved its funding.

“We weren’t even sure there would be a race this year,” Voyageur said. “In January there was hardly any snow and it didn’t come until February and March. Then the community wanted a race, so we set it up last minute.”

Held March 19-20, the weekend event featured four major races – professional, sports, women and beginners – with each having a different track length.

“The racers did laps on our track instead of one big track,” said Voyageur. “For safety reasons, we had to make sure the course was stable and safe.”

Jonathan Matthews Neeposh, who runs the event’s social media page, noted that the 50-kilometre course was adjusted to avoid crossing creeks or rivers.

Only participants who are recognized professional racers, either nationally or locally, or by people who had won the sports category, could enter the six-lap professional category.

“Everyone was eligible to enter the other three categories,” said Neeposh. “And it was up to the contestants to choose whether they wanted to enter the sports or the beginners categories.”

The professional category had four winners: Nigel Gunner ($5,000), Silas Neeposh ($2,500), Yannick Gunner ($1,250) and Alexander Briend ($750).

The sports category had seven winners: Sebastien Neeposh ($1,500), Kenneth Swallow ($750), Brent Coon Come ($500), Paul Yoshtin Matoush ($350), Alexander Swallow ($300), Clayton Shecapio ($250) and Leslia Mianscum ($200).

The beginner category had five winners: Zechariah Neeposh ($600), Lindros Spencer ($300), Tyrese Neeposh ($250), Jimmy James Neeposh ($150) and Tanner Neeposh ($100).

Finally, the women’s category had five winners: Lindsay Spencer ($1,000), Eleanor Coonishish ($750), Amy Diamond ($350), Deleanna Bobbish ($250) and Savannah Shem ($100).

“I enjoy sports and I liked the speed of being on the sled,” said Eleanor Coonishish, who placed second in the women’s category. “But I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect because I haven’t raced in six years.”

Coonishish said she was proud of placing second, especially being the only hometown woman to make the top five. “My boyfriend joined me on the track for practice, while my family were driving by car to watch me race.”

While the race was tough, Coonishish said it was a great experience. “I was leading on the first lap until I went off-track and got stuck in the snow for a while. I’m glad one of the security guys helped me get back on the track.”

Despite its rushed organization, the event exceeded expectations. “We had fun pulling it off,” said Voyageur. “I hope the people had fun competing in it as much as we had organizing it. Next year we’ll be more prepared, for sure.”