The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival has musical, cultural, and culinary events, but when you get right down to it - it is all about the mighty kayak paddles cutting through the flowing waters of the Mattagami River to see who comes out on top.
On Saturday, the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge unleashed the competitive kayak races in 18 divisions.
Kicking things off on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. was the gruelling 32 kilometre elite male and elite female divisions.
Dorion Malloy finished first in the men's 32 km elite with a time of three hours, forty-five minutes and 19 seconds. Placing second was Joey Steep at 4:04:58.
In third place was Mark Steep at 4:04:59. Dean Ayoub came in fourth at 4:13:16.
In the elite female 32 km race - Debbie Weatherhead took first spot with a time of 4:03:04, Michelle Twining with a time of 4:13:15.
Amie Elliott finished third at 4:42:53.
The second competition of the day featured the elite recreational 16 km races. The winner of the men's division is Daniel Mallet with a time of 1:26:50. Richard Demers with a time of 1:30:49 came in second and Robert Ross finished third with a time of 1:31:07
In the women's elite recreational 16 km race, Jessica Demers finished first with a time of 1:48:21, while Tanya LaRose was second (2:46.22) and Lynne Schwertfeger finished third (2:48:20)
Another race that captured the interest of kayak enthusiast was the celebrity challenge race which featured Mayor Steve Black of Timmins, Councillor Rick Dubeau, Timmins Police officer Rick Lemieux, Timmins radio personalities Mackenzie Read (Moose FM), Mark Pare of KISS FM, Raymond Cuo (the Travelling Foodie). A late entrant in the race was Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown.
At the finish line it was Mayor Steve Black who prevailed with a time of 22 minutes and eight seconds. Later comer, Patrick Brown finished second with a time of 22:42 and Councillor Rick Dubeau, third (24:43.) Mackenzie Read of Moose FM finished 4th with a time of 24:54.
A side bet on the race between Mackenzie Read and Officer Rick Lemieux will see the results posted on the video billboard display on Highway 101 in Schumacher across from Little Pearl Lake. The display will tout Read's victory and Lemieux's defeat.
Lemieux came in 2nd last with a time of 28 minutes and 34 second. Luckily for Officer Rick, the Travelling Foodie Raymond Cua lagged behind to finish last with a time of 32:57.
