The Stories Will Inspire You. Your Teammates Will Motivate You. The Positivity Will Propel You.
Seek The Peak - The Ultimate Relay In Support Of Rethink Breast Cancer Comes Back To Grouse Mountain
May 1, 2012
May 1, 2012. Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver B.C. - Spring is here and there is no better time to dust off those running shoes and hit the pavement training with friends for the 9th annual Seek The Peak relay in support of Rethink Breast Cancer. On Sunday June 17, teams of 4 as well as individuals can challenge each other and have fun on a 16-kilometer relay starting on the beach at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver, winding its way through North Vancouver, then heading up the legendary Grouse Grind the Peak of Vancouver. All funds raised will go directly to support Rethink Breast Cancer, a movement for young women affected by breast cancer that offers cutting-edge education, support and research that speaks fearlessly to their needs.
Whether you just love a challenge or are running in support of a loved one, Seek The Peak is a race full of extraordinary stories and motivation. This year, Rethink has created The Kim Tempest Top Fundraiser Award in honour of North Vancouver resident Kim Tempest, an avid Seek The Peaker who passed away from advanced breast cancer just before Christmas. “Kim’s incredible passion for the cause and enthusiasm for this event inspired her friends and family, including her young teen daughter, to join Kim’s team and help raise thousands of dollars in pledges for Rethink year after year,” says MJ DeCoteau, Executive Director at Rethink Breast Cancer. “Kim embraced her life and her nine-year battle with breast cancer head-on with humour, wit, candour and genuine selflessness. She had a huge, warm personality and this award is our way of keeping the generosity of her spirit and efforts going.” Kim’s story has inspired TELUS to match the top fundraiser’s amount this year to a maximum of $5,000. “The funds raised at Seek the Peak enable us to run vital programs to support young women with breast cancer in B.C.,” says DeCoteau. “We’re thrilled TELUS is supporting our local work and will be doubling the impact of our top fundraiser.”
"Seek The Peak participants will take away with them the importance of support and community when it comes to the fight against cancer", says Grouse Mountain General Manager, Michael Cameron. "Grouse Mountain created Seek The Peak to help Rethink lead the way towards valuable research and programs for women affected by breast cancer. This race is incredibly inspiring and the ultimate fitness test but nothing is as challenging as the fight against the disease".
Participants can register for Seek The Peak either as an individual or as a team of 4 with early-bird pricing available until May 17, 2012.
NEW! Get ready to elevate your Seek The Peak experience! Join free Tuesday night training sessions (6:00pm to 7:30pm) offered by North Shore Athletics on May 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5 and 12. Open to all Seek The Peak registrants (a donation to Rethink would be appreciated!) and register by sending an email to: training@grousemountain.com and then meet at the base of Grouse Mountain at Red Tent in front of Guest Services.
WHAT: Grouse Mountain's Seek The Peak Relay
WHO: Individuals or teams of four competitors - running/walking the following a 16 kilometre course.
WHERE: Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver to Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver
WHEN: Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 8:00am.
RELAY STAGES:
Ambleside Beach - 4 KM
Racers kick off Seek The Peak at scenic Ambleside Beach next to the Main Concession. The course heads north for 25 meters along the parking lot, turns right and heads due east on the back road to the Seawall. Turn left onto Capilano Pacific Trail. Once racers reach the road behind Park Royal, turn right and back on to Capilano Pacific Trail. Staying on this relatively narrow trail they will pass under Wardance Street, Marine Drive and follow this trail along the Capilano River for another 1 KM. At this point they will be directed up to Keith Road via a connector trail. From here it is a 800 meter run before handing off to their team mate.
Capilano To Grouse Mountain - 6 KM
Once they tag their team member the racers will head along the wooded Capilano Pacific Trail for 2.5 kilometres until the Shinglebolt Trail. Following Shinglebolt, they will pass over the Cable Pool Bridge and onto the road next to the Capilano Fish Hatchery. From there they will be directed onto the Palisades Trail and an 800 meter climb up a section of gnarly trail and a series of stairs. After a short reprieve across a grassy field, its out onto Nancy Greene Way and the one mile climb to Grouse Mountain.
Grouse Grind - 3 KM
This stage of Seek The Peak starts just below the gates of the world famous Grouse Grind trail and follows the steep and mountainous almost 3000 steps to the plateau of Grouse Mountain and the Chalet. Hand off here for the final stage of the relay.
The Peak of Vancouver - 3 KM
Racers cut across 1 KM of grassy plateau of Grouse Mountain beside the Chalet and follow the winding trail past the Wildlife Refuge until you reach the base of the Peak. Ascend straight up following what is know as Heaven's Sake ski run during the winter months to the top of the Peak of Grouse Mountain. At the top, stop for a moment, take in the breathtaking views of the city below. From the Peak you will run back down Heaven's Sake, along Blue Grouse Lake Loop and up to the finish at the Plaza in front of the Chalet.
For more information please head to: www.seekthepeak.ca or visit www.rethinkbreastcancer.com
