Prospector Challenge ‘22

June 28, 2022 -  Defence Stories

By: Alice Twa

On June 16, 2022, members of Joint Task Force (North) and the Yellowknife RCMP came together to participate in the eighth annual Prospector Challenge. 22 teams ran an 18 km route and completed various physical, mental, and team challenges along the way.

“We go back to the traditional ways of the North,” said race organizer Captain (Capt) Richard Tobin. “We have a rucksack march, a canoe, a portage. The things that the prospectors would have done when they were staying up here.”

Participants included members from JTFN Headquarters (JTFN HQ), 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1CRPG), 440 (Transport) Squadron, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment (LER), 2 Field Ambulance, Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre (CFHSTC), the Personnel Support Programs, and the local RCMP detachment.

“It’s fun. It’s physically demanding. I’m going to regret it tonight and tomorrow but at the end of the day, it’s one of those things you’ll look back and think it’s a neat event to participate in,” said Capt Gary Counsell from JTFN HQ.

Major Conrad Schubert and Corporal (Cpl) Luke Spooner from LER were this year’s winner with a time of 2 hours and 26 minutes. They were also the fastest in the ‘Old and Bold’ category.

Capt Ethan Labelle and Cpl Marc-Andre Swiderski from 1CRPG came in second place overall and were the fastest in the ‘Whipper Snappers’ category at 2 hours and 32 minutes. Sergeant Devon Allooloo from 1CRPG and Cpl Josh Beland from CFHSTC came in third place overall at 2 hours and 39 minutes. Master Warrant Officer Roger Duquette and Capt Jake Taylor from 1CRPG were the fastest in the ‘Midlife Crisis’ category at 2 hours and 57 minutes.

Master Corporal Ryan Collier and Private Walker Redshaw from LER were the first team to finish. They completed the challenge in 2 hours and 50 minutes and both said they would do it again.

“I love the Army because it pushes you,” said Pte Redshaw. “Leading up to this we were out canoeing Wednesday nights, learning to paddle properly and going out for runs.”

The Prospector Challenge is fairly unique to the North and to the Canadian Armed Forces which Capt Tobin said is a source of pride for JTFN. “There’s a lot of smiling faces and people who are excited and proud to be a part of what we’re doing. We don’t get that in other units. Being a relatively small base, we have a lot of team cohesion,” said Capt Tobin.