Heroine hauls 52 women up Grouse Grind

Meet local hero, Helen Bowkett, Seek the Peak participant for the past 5 years, mother of 2, friend to Breast Cancer survivors and warriors, and responsible for 52 participants and 13 teams at the Rethink Breast Cancer Seek the Peak event on July 6th.

The 5th Annual Seek the Peak Relay is presented by Merrell and hosted by Grouse Mountain. The relay is a 16 km uphill climb for Rethink Breast Cancer and with an elevation gain of 4100 feet, is one to feel proud of accomplishing, not just for its difficulty but also for the many people it benefits. Starting at Ambleside beach, runners migrate upwards to the strenuous Grouse Grind before finally climbing the Peak of Grouse Mountain. The event can be seen as a metaphor for the upward struggle for those faced with breast cancer. 

 “I have been pleasantly surprised by the participation of my friends and family this year,” says race participant and Seek the Peak veteran, Helen Bowkett. “When I sent around information about the event, I had an incredible response. Breast Cancer is non-discriminatory. It affects everyone, directly and indirectly. I think that is the main reason why everyone has signed up. It is an incredibly fun event, but also one that impacts a whole lot of people. I’m proud to be a participant.” 

 Bowkett’s teams participate with the title of ‘Courageous Cousins’ because they are racing with two women in mind-cousins who are coping with terminal cancer. “Their bravery, courage and unbelievable drive to survive inspire me and I want to do something significant to recognize them. Though extremely ill, our goal is to have these two women at the finish line. “ 

 Seek the Peak is open to all ages and abilities in a unique relay format, or participants can complete the entire distance independently. 

 Early Bird Entry (*up to June 6th ) Passholder Non-Passholder Adult (19+) $25.00 $35.00 Youth (13-18) $21.00 $30.00 Child (12 and under) $14.00 $20.00 Technical Running Shirt $30.00 $30.00 Regular Entry (June 7th – July 6th ) Passholder Non-Passholder Adult (19+) $28.00 $40.00 Youth (13-18) $25.00 $35.00 Child ( 12 and under ) $18.00 $25.00 Technical Running Shirt $30.00 $30.00 For interview opportunities with Helen Bowkett, participants, Breast Cancer Survivors, and more, please contact Andrea Scott, 604.551.3839. For interview opportunities and additional information about Rethink Breast Cancer please contact Fiona Story at Communications Meca, 514.288.8500, fstory@meca.ca 

 Rethink Breast Cancer helps young people concerned about and affected by breast cancer through innovative education, research and support programs. Funds raised through Seek the Peak support Rethink’s innovative research program. To date, Seek the Peak has generated almost $130,000 for Rethink Breast Cancer. www.seekthepeak.ca