Darby McIntyre was the big winner at Sunday’s fourth annual Snowshoe Fest, held at the Takhini Hot Springs.

The 15-year-old finished the five-kilometre event in a blistering 31 minutes, despite suffering a “flat tire” midway through his second lap.

McIntyre’s traditional snowshoe needed to be relaced with the assistance of second place finisher Jerome McIntyre – Darby’s father.

Rick Reaume and Heidi Reaume finished third and fourth in the fun event, put on by the Learning Disabilities Association of the Yukon (LDAY).

The non-profit organization provides services and programs to Yukoners with learning disabilities.

McIntyre is fast becoming a force on the Yukon sports scene as a three-sport athlete – snowshoeing, running and cross-country skiing.

Last month, he led the Yukon to a pair of gold medals at the Special Olympic B.C. Winter Games in Kamloops. The cross-country skier struck gold in the five- and 7.5-kilometre races.

This summer, McIntyre will compete as a runner for Team Canada at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Catherine Wood earned victory in the shorter-distance race of 2.5 km, followed by Sarah Cave and Maddy Cave.

The sun shone on the event, sponsored by Sun Life Financial (Roche Marchuk Financial).

This year’s event was held behind the Takhini Hot Springs at the NOLS Lodge and surrounding trails.

The event included the two loppets as well as snowshoe games for the young – and young at heart.

The Spiers family – Jo, Jeff, Leo and Poppy – completed the full loop of rolling hills and scenic viewpoints towing a chariot.

With files by Vickie Roche