Registration Is Now Open for the Most Anticipated Mountain Race of the Year

The date has been set and registration is now open for the legendary BMO Grouse Grind Mountain Run taking place on Saturday October 1, 2011 at Grouse Mountain. Athletes of all ages and abilities can register and race to beat their best times on the world famous Grouse Grind. Elite athletes from around the world will also be lining up to try and smash the record of 25 minutes and 01 seconds held by Vancouver local, Sebastian Salas. 

Viewed as the premier event of the Grouse Grind season, the annual race draws hundreds of amateur and professional competitors from the Lower Mainland and across the country each year. It also offers a formidable challenge to athletic newcomers seeking to conquer the mountain for the first time. 

“We have had word that some of the world’s foremost mountain runners are making travel arrangements to be here in Vancouver to compete on October 1,” says Michael Cameron, General Manager of Grouse Mountain. “This is shaping up to be an exciting year for the BMO Grouse Grind Mountain Run and we encourage everyone to head to: www.ggmr.ca now to grab their place at the start line.” 

BMO Bank of Montreal enters its seventh year as title sponsor of this popular community event and this year BMO Power of Blue will be introduced whereby BMO clients receive a whole range of great benefits associated with the race. One great perk will be a special “Spectator Pass” offered to BMO clients to allow family and friends on race day to head up Grouse Mountain. They can then celebrate with participants and take in all the fabulous mountaintop activities including world famous lumberjack shows and Birds in Motion demonstrations. 

“BMO has had a long and proud history of supporting community events across Canada”, said James Kitamura, Personal Banking Area Manager, North Shore, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We believe our ties with sports and recreation reflect some of our most deeply held corporate values, such as contributing positively to the quality of life in the community,” added Kitamura. 

On race day, Grouse Mountain’s chalet plaza will be buzzing with activity by the finish line. While the awards are presented spectators and participants can enjoy a BBQ, beer garden, massage services, complimentary coffee, sponsor demonstrations and the anticipated grand prize draw. 

 

Event Schedule: Saturday, October 1st, 2011 

10:00am - Race Begins 

10:25am – Estimated finish time of 1st racer 

12:30pm - Awards ceremony 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.

For more information please head to www.ggmr.ca