21 Grouse Grinds in a day: Kelowna man breaks record during fundraising challenge

Anyone who has attempted the Grouse Grind knows it's a gruelling physical and mental challenge. How about doing it 20 times in a row?

There’s a new record for the most Grouse Grinds completed in a single day.

Kelowna resident Sean Green climbed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” a total of 21 times between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. Friday during the annual Multi Grouse Grind Challenge, which also serves as a fundraiser for North Shore Rescue.

The previous record for most ascents of the gruelling 2.9-kilometre trail that gains 800 metres of elevation and features 2,830 stairs on the way to the top of Grouse Mountain was 19, set back in 2019.

Green’s fastest Grind – according to official timekeeping – was his 15th, which he completed in 40 minutes and 10 seconds. His slowest ascent was his record-breaking 20th, which took 45 minutes and 28 seconds.

Grouse Mountain spokesperson Emily Leak said the energy at the summit as Green completed his 20th Grind was “electric.”

“Seeing the drive and passion of all competitors and unwavering support from support parties throughout this grueling challenge is beyond inspiring,” Leak said in a statement Saturday.

This year, challenge participants had an advantage on previous years’ events: The new Grouse Mountain gondola takes less time to transport people back to the mountain’s base than the old one did.

Green was not the only man who surpassed the previous record Friday. Vancouver resident James Stewart – who tied the old record with 19 ascents last year – completed 20 this time.

The top female competitor was Burnaby resident Fion Chen, who completed 17 Grinds.

In all, the 100 participants in Friday’s challenge completed a total of 915 ascents, raising more than $46,000 for North Shore Rescue in the process.

Damien Waugh, a member of the NSR team, was the top individual fundraiser, with more than $8,500 raised. He completed 18 Grinds on Friday.

“We’re honoured by the ongoing support from Grouse Mountain and all participants in this year’s Multi Grouse Grind Challenge,” said Scott Merriman, North Shore Rescue team leader, in the statement.

“The supporting funds raised will enable invaluable training initiatives and the purchase of life-saving equipment so NSR can continue to show up for our community when they need us most.”