North Vancouver Local Wins Multi Grouse Grind Challenge
The win was personal for Ross Hamilton as nearly two years ago he was airlifted out of an incident by North Shore Rescue
June 23, 2026
The 2026 Multi Grouse Grind Challenge presented by CIBC had an exciting finish last night, with North Vancouver resident Ross Hamilton completing 19 Grouse Grind ascents.
The win was personal for Hamilton who was competing for the fourth time, however, he’s grateful to be competing at all after a serious incident in 2024 required an airlift rescue by North Shore Rescue. In last year’s event, Hamilton fell one shy of his goal with 18 ascents, but returned reinvigorated this year to achieve his goal and become the overall winner, while raising over $5,000 for North Shore Rescue. In this year’s challenge, 130 participants completed a total of more than 1,100 Grouse Grinds in the 19-hour period while raising more than $57,000 and counting for North Shore Rescue.
Men:
1st Place: Ross Hamilton - 19 Grinds in 15:03:24
2nd Place: Benoit Kaanen – 18 Grinds in 15:39:22
3rd Place: Sean Green - 17 Grinds in 13:31:30
Women:
1st Place: Maxime Duterloo – 18 Grinds in 13:56:37
2nd Place: Brooke Spence - 17 Grinds in 13:41:53
3rd Place: Fion Chen - 16 Grinds in 13:37:32
The overall winner was Ross Hamilton from North Vancouver, B.C., while the winner for the female competitors and second-place overall finisher was Maxime Duterloo, also from North Vancouver, who achieved an impressive 18 ascents. Hamilton’s 19 ascents matches the previous record set in 2019, prior to Sean Green’s new record of 21 set last year.
2026 MULTI GROUSE GRIND CHALLENGE AWARD WINNERS
Men:
1st Place: Ross Hamilton - 19 Grinds in 15:03:24
2nd Place: Benoit Kaanen – 18 Grinds in 15:39:22
3rd Place: Sean Green - 17 Grinds in 13:31:30
Women:
1st Place: Maxime Duterloo – 18 Grinds in 13:56:37
2nd Place: Brooke Spence - 17 Grinds in 13:41:53
3rd Place: Fion Chen - 16 Grinds in 13:37:32
"Each year, participants continue to raise the bar and inspire everyone who witnesses this unbelievable challenge," says Emily Leak, Communications Manager at Grouse Mountain Resort. "Ross’ achievement is truly remarkable, especially with yesterday’s high temperatures, and made for a thrilling day on the mountain. Equally inspiring is the collective effort of all 130 participants and the amazing support teams who dedicated themselves to this grueling event while supporting the important work of North Shore Rescue."
Funds raised through this year’s Multi Grouse Grind Challenge will go to North Shore Rescue (NSR), the volunteer, community-based search and rescue team that provides a life-saving service to the public 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Established in 1965, NSR is comprised of approximately 50 highly-trained volunteers specializing in mountain, canyon, and urban search and rescue operations across the North Shore and beyond.
"We're incredibly grateful for the continued support from Grouse Mountain, the participants, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to this year's event," says Scott Merriman, Team Leader of North Shore Rescue. "The funds raised through the Multi Grouse Grind Challenge help ensure our team has access to critical equipment, training, and resources so we can continue responding whenever and wherever we're needed."
The Multi Grouse Grind Challenge followed last week’s Seek the Peak, marking the second and final event in the CIBC Grouse Mountain Summer Race Series. Looking ahead, the Resort’s newest event, Sedin vs Sedin, will make its debut on September 27, bringing participants together in support of the Sedin Family Foundation. Registration opens soon.
Congratulations to all 2026 Multi Grouse Grind Challenge participants!