Grouse Grind record smashed by local athlete
19th Annual BMO Grouse Grind Mountain Run draws over 500 racers attempting to best their times
September 21, 2009
North Vancouver, September 20, 2009 – A new course record has been set by Sebastian Salas on Canada’s most famous trail, the Grouse Grind, in a staggering time of 25:24. Salas, a twenty-two year-old West Vancouver resident, beat his nearest competitor and former record holder Michael Simpson who came in at 27:10. The official course record previously held by Simpson was 26:19 set in 2007. Winning the 19th Annual BMO Grouse Grind Mountain Run in record fashion marks Selas’ second consecutive win in successive years, with the champion besting his winning time from last year by more than two minutes.
“I gave it everything I could and stayed in the red zone the whole time,” says Salas. “I have been doing some altitude training in South America this summer and this is an amazing achievement for me.”
Leanne Johnston claimed the title of fastest woman on the course clocking 31:39. Johnston, the reigning female record holder (time of 31:04 also set in 2007), claims a stunning fourth title in as many years with her win today.
Hon. Kevin Falcon, BC Health Minister, opened the race sponsored by BMO Bank of Montreal, as over 500 athletes of all ages and abilities raced to beat their best times. More than 100 BMO staff and volunteers participated in the popular race. In addition to producing amazing feats of resilience, determination, and athleticism, this year’s race also raised much needed funds for three aspiring Canadian athletes competing this winter. The Adopt an Athlete program is a local initiative committed to raising $50,000 for three athletes sponsored by the resort who are competing for a podium place finish this winter in their respective sports.
“Our Adopt an Athlete program is an ongoing effort to provide future medalists with the support they need to achieve greatness,” says Michael Cameron, General Manager for Grouse Mountain Resorts. “Vital funds were raised from each event entry and race garment sold. This year's competitors also raised additional support through pledges.”
The Grouse Grind, attracts over a hundred thousand outdoors enthusiasts each summer to climb “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”. The race draws several hundred professional and amateur competitors from across the country each year, to beat their best times established on the gruelling course throughout the season. The annual run also offers a formidable challenge to athletic newcomers seeking to conquer the mountain for the first time.
Course details
Length: 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)
Elevation Gain: 853 metres (2,800 feet)
Base: 274 metres above sea level (900 feet)
Summit: 1,127 metres (3,700 feet)
Total Stairs: 2,830
Average Time: Approximately an hour and a half to complete the hike, with two hours recommended for novice hikers.
Participants: Hikers range in age from children to seniors with an equal male/female split.
- 30 -
