16k • 1,600M Vertical
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Generally in June

If you think you’ve got the stamina to take on one of Vancouver’s toughest trails, the Seek the Peak challenge is calling your name. This 16-kilometer course pushes your limits from the beach to the peaks of Grouse Mountain, all while offering some of the most jaw-dropping views of the North Shore. But be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart. Did we mention there is 1,600m of vertical?

The Course

The race kicks off at the tranquil shores of Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver. At first, you’ll cruise along flat, winding paved paths that lull you into a false sense of security. The calm before the storm, if you will.

But as you leave the beach behind and head towards Cleveland Dam, the elevation starts creeping up. The terrain gets twisty and challenging, with enough ups and downs to leave you questioning your life choices, but there’s still a sense of fun—until you hit the stairs. That’s when things get real.

From there, you’ll navigate the infamous Nancy Green Way. At this point, you’ll be about halfway to the top, surrounded by the sounds of traffic, honking horns, and the crushing realization that you’ve got a loooong way to go. Exhaustion is creeping in, but don’t you dare stop yet—you’ve still got the hardest part ahead: the Grouse Grind.

The Grind

Ah, the Grind. It’s the kind of beast that’s as infamous as it is relentless. A vertical climb that feels like a stairmaster on steroids, the Grind tests your mental toughness more than your physical strength. But once you crest the summit, you’ve got one more flat stretch to catch your breath before more climbing awaits.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity of ascent, you’ll reach the Peak of Vancouver. You’ll catch your breath, snap a few photos, and marvel at the fact that you somehow made it to the top. It’s a hard-earned victory—but the descent is where the real test begins.

The Descent

After a short breather at the top, it’s time for the descent. But here’s the kicker: after climbing 1,600 meters, your legs will feel like Jell-O when you hit the downward slope. The strain of descending after a brutal ascent is no joke, and you’ll watch as other runners collapse in exhaustion, clutching their quads and trying not to tumble.

But keep going! The finish line is in sight, at the Grouse Mountain Lodge, where a crowd of cheering spectators will make you feel like a hero, even if your legs are on the verge of quitting. The ultimate reward? A hearty lunch, shared with all the other crazy people who dared to take on this challenge.

The Aftermath

And when it’s all over, you’ll shuffle your way to the gondola and take a well-deserved lift back down, reflecting on the grueling journey you just completed. Your legs will ache, your body will scream for mercy, but your sense of accomplishment will be through the roof.

Seek the Peak isn’t just a race—it’s a test of your mental and physical endurance. Whether you tackle it solo or in a team of four (splitting up the different legs), it’s a challenge that’ll push you to your limits and leave you with a sense of achievement that’s hard to beat. Ready to take it on? Strap in, because the grind is real.

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