Looking to push their limits, dozens of athletes took on the Grouse Grind Monday, raising money for North Shore Rescue.
All are aiming to complete the steep and winding climb as many times as possible in a single day.
“The Grouse Grind, it’s 825 metres of elevation; it is super hard work, so you know for the average bloke like me, it’s going to be an hour and a half to two hours, but for these competitive runners, they can get in 30 minutes or above,” said Adam Rootman, spokesperson at the Grouse Mountain Resort.
Known as Mother Nature’s StairMaster, the Grind features 2,830 steps.
For most hikers, reaching the summit once is an accomplishment enough.
But for those chasing the record of 21 ascents in a day, it’s just the warm-up.
“The elevation to climb Everest is about 11 grinds. So, if the record’s set today, the winner will have climbed the equivalent of two Mount Everests,” Rootman explained.
“It’s very, very impressive feat.”
Athletes hoping to etch their names into the record book were all chasing Kelowna’s Sean Green, who set the current mark of 21 ascents last year.
D.J. Remi, a member of Green’s support team, says topping that number would be especially impressive with temperatures climbing into the high 20s.
“It’s definitely going to play into the factor. It’s affecting some more than others,” said Remi.
“I’ve been here since 4 a.m. I did the first grind with the group. By 6 a.m., some were claiming it was hot.”
But regardless of how many times you make the climb, reaching the top remains a badge of honour for anyone willing to take on the challenge.
“There’s a lot of inspiration here. I challenge everyone—give it a go. And if you like it, buy a pass and come every day,” Remi said.