THE Grouse Grind racing career of Vancouver's Sebastian Salas continues to go nowhere but up.
The elite runner and cyclist continued his mastery of the stairs in Saturday's 22nd annual Grouse Grind Mountain Run, winning his fifth consecutive title in a time of 27 minutes four seconds. Salas was more than two minutes off his official Grind record time of 25: 01 set in 2010 but he still ran away from the field, winning by more than 90 seconds. Victoria's Kristopher Swanson finished second in 28: 35 while Delta's Michael Milic was third with a time of 29: 24.
"I love the atmosphere, the competitors and the challenge each year," Salas said in Grouse Mountain's race report. "It is pure 100 per cent effort every time I do the Grind but I really had to dig deep this year. I wasn't as fast as last year but I am still incredibly happy to win today. I recommend all Grouse Grinders take part in this race as it truly encourages you to push yourself harder and better your Grind time."
On the women's side Vancouver's Stephanie Hamilton won for the second straight year, clocking a time of 34: 57. Anne Marie-Madden, also of Vancouver, was second in a time of 36: 07 while Victoria's Karen Trueman was third in 36: 46.
More than 400 racers ranging in age from six to 78 took part in this year's run. Race participants once again collected pledges with proceeds going to B.C. Children's Hospital.
The Mountain Run follows a 2.9-kilometre trail through steep and rugged terrain, rising 853 metres in the process. To reach the summit, elevation 1,127 metres, racers must climb a total of 2,830 stairs.
