The 2012 ClearlyContacts.ca Grouse Grind Mountain Run Sees Amazing Athletic Performances
Elite Mountain Runners, Corporate Teams, First Timers and Seasoned Hikers Celebrate Another Great Season On The Grouse Grind
September 22, 2012
September 22, 2012. Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver B.C. – North America’s most popular hiking trail, the Grouse Grind, saw some amazing athletic performances today at this year’s ClearlyContacts.ca Grouse Grind Mountain Run. The elite men’s category was the one to watch with Sebastian Salas and other elite mountain runners going head to head in an effort to beat Salas’ official Grouse Grind record of 25:01. Sebastian managed to hold off the competition and seize victory for the fifth year in a row with a impressive fast time of 27:04. In the women’s elite Stephanie Hamilton of Vancouver took the top spot on the podium with an impressive time of 34:57 .
"I love the atmosphere, the competitors and the challenge each year", said Sebastian Salas, returning champion and winner of the 2012 ClearlyContacts.ca Grouse Grind Mountain Run. "It is pure 100% effort every time I do the Grind but I really had to dig deep this year. I wasn't as fast as last year but I am still incredibly happy to win today. I recommend all Grouse Grinders take part in this race as it truly encourages you to push yourself harder and better your Grind time".
Over 500 ambitious hikers took on the challenge of the ClearlyContacts.ca Grouse Grind Mountain Run now in its 22nd year with race participants ranging in age from 6 to 78. From elite athletes to amateur competitors, most entrants try to beat their best times established on the grueling course throughout the season. This year’s charitable recipient was, once again, B.C. Children’s Hospital through Grouse Mountain’s Grind For Kids program. Race participants were asked to collect pledges for every Grouse Grind completed during the season and will continue to do so over the coming days. During its three year lifetime, Grind for Kids has raised close to $500,000 for B.C. Children’s Hospital and this total undoubtedly continue to grow during the remainder of the Grouse Grind season.
2012 RESULTS
Overall men: 1. Sebastian Salas 27:04
2. Kristopher Swanson 28:35
3. Michael Milic 29:24
Overall women: 1. Stephanie Hamilton 34:57
2. Anne-Marie Madden 36:07
3. Karen Trueman 36:46
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The Grouse Grind®
The Grouse Grind®, sometimes called Mother Nature's Stairmaster, is a 2.9 km trail leading hikers up the face of Grouse Mountain. While it is not a long trail, it is a steep and rugged one, rising 853 metres (2,800 feet).
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.
