Sebastian Salas is still the king of the mountain after easily outdistancing a pack of tough challengers to defend his title at the annual BMO Grouse Grind Mountain Run Saturday, falling seconds shy of his own record in the process.
Salas, a competitive cyclist from Vancouver, climbed the steep trail, known as natures stairmaster, to the top of Grouse Mountain in a time of 25 minutes and 10 seconds. Salas set the official race record at 25:01 in winning the event last year. Hes now won the race three years in a row.
Washingtons Joe Gray, one of the top-ranked mountain runners from the United States, finished second in a time of 25:54 while Vancouvers Morgan Titus was third in 27:21. The talented runners in the elite mens race pushed Salas right from the first stair.
It was full gas from the start and at times I was ready to settle for second but I pushed through the pain and took it, he said in a Grouse Mountain release. Overall I am pleased after all, a win is a win.
In the womens elite race Vancouvers Stephanie Hamilton ran away from the field, winning in 32:28. Tiffany Phillips finished second in a time of 36:32 while Tamasin Reno was third in 36:53.
Participants ranging in age from six to 77 raced in the 21st running of the event with proceeds going to B.C. Childrens Hospital. For full race results visit www.raceheadquarters.com.
