Grouse Grind Record Defeated
September 23, 2007
September 23rd, 2007, North Vancouver BC –
Both male and female Grouse Grind records were smashed at Sunday’s 17th annual BMO Bank of Montreal Grouse Grind Mountain Run.
Course record-holder, Michael Simpson (age 24) beat his own time, setting a new official Grouse Grind record of 26:19, while Leanne Johnston (age 43) obliterated the five-year female record coming in at a time of 32:05. This is the third win in a row for Simpson and the second for Johnston.
Over 500 ambitious hikers took on the challenge with race participants, ranging in age from six to 77. This year’s charitable recipient was, once again, The BC Lung Association. Race participants were asked to collect pledges on behalf of this very relevant organization and will continue to do so over the coming days.
The Grouse Grind, otherwise known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” is Western Canada’s most famous trail, producing some of the most amazing feats of resilience, determination and athleticism. With an elevation gain of 853 metres (2800 feet) and an ascending gradient of 40 degrees, the 2.9 km trek up the side of Grouse Mountain, is no small feat.
2007 RESULTS
2007 Winners
TIME Overall men: 1. Michael Simpson 26:19
2. Morgan Titus 27:33
3. Jesse Heckrodt 28:56
Overall women: 1. Leanne Johnston 31:04
2. Lauren Groves 33:03
3. Rachel Ruus 33:55
Full race results can be viewed on ggmr.ca by Monday, September 24th.