Hundreds attend Mountain Run

Canada’s most famous trail, the Grouse Grind, has a new champion after hundreds of participants raced to the alpine finish line of the 18th annual BMO Bank of Montreal Grouse Grind Mountain Run. In his first appearance in the event, 21- year-old Sebastian Salas from Vancouver beat an elite field that included athletes from as far as Quebec and Alberta, in a time of 28:02. 

The fastest woman on the course was reigning female record holder Leanne Johnston, clocking 31:29 to claim her third title in as many years.

Over 600 ambitious hikers took on the challenge with race participants, ranging in age from seven to 78. This year’s charitable recipient remains The BC Lung Association, and race participants have raised thousands of dollars while they continue to collect pledges on behalf of the association until the end of October.

“BMO Grouse Grind Mountain Run participants can really make their effort worthwhile by joining the Lung Association’s Grouse Grind SuperTeam, and using this personal challenge as an opportunity to raise funds to support clean air programs in our province,” said Scott McDonald, Executive Director of the BC Lung Association. “Each SuperTeam member is set up with their own personalized fundraising webpage and the latest in email technology to gather donations from friends, family and business colleagues. SuperTeam members also earn rewards and are eligible for prizes that include an ecotour trip for two to Costa Rica.” 

 As a volunteer-based health charity, the Lung Association depends on public support for its vital programs of lung health research, community and professional education, prevention and advocacy. Twenty volunteers from the general public assisted in today’s event. 

Now in its fourth year as the title sponsor, BMO Bank of Montreal remains wholly committed to supporting this popular community event that promotes a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. Over 100 BMO employees took part in the race. 

2008 RESULTS 

 2008 Winners Time

 Overall men: 1. Sebastian Salas 28:02 

 2. Morgan Titus 28:19 

 3. Gavin Hamilton 28:47 

 

Overall women: 

 1. Leanne Johnston 31:29 

 2. Kristina Rody 34:15 

 3. Shannon Back 35:37 

Full race results can be viewed at www.raceheadquarters.com on the following page: http://www.raceheadquarters.com/results/run_2008.htm#sep