This Sunday’s “Seek the Peak” For Rethink Breast Cancer Attracts Hundreds Of Runners And Hikers In The 5th Annual Relay Event On Grouse Mountain (30-Jun-08)

Grouse Mountain, BC, June 30, 2008 - Local heroes like Helen Bowkett will be tackling Grouse Mountain

Local heroes like Helen Bowkett will be tackling Grouse Mountain next month to help fund breast cancer research in British Columbia. Helen is a “Seek the Peak” relay participant for the past five years, a mother of two children and a friend to breast cancer survivors and fundraising warriors. Although she has never been personally affected by breast cancer, Bowkett has persuaded 52 runners forming 13 teams, to tackle the 5th Annual Grouse Mountain “Seek the Peak” relay on Sunday, July 6, 2008. The annual event raises funds for Rethink Breast Cancer, a non-profit organization providing young people with breast cancer information and support programs.

The relay is a 16-km uphill climb with an elevation gain of 4,100 feet. Starting at Ambleside beach, runners migrate upwards to the strenuous Grouse Grind before finally climbing the Peak of Grouse Mountain.

“Breast cancer is an upward struggle for women touched by the disease and ‘Seek the Peak’ is a fitting challenge for participants to undertake a literal uphill battle to raise crucial funds for breast cancer research initiatives in B.C.,” said MJ DeCoteau, Executive Director of Rethink Breast Cancer. “With the unwavering support of the B.C. community for this event we have been able to fund three breast cancer researchers at the BC Cancer Agency to date and we hope to be able to continue that support with this year’s relay.”

Race participant and ‘Seek the Peak’ veteran, Helen Bowkett is thrilled by the growing support for the annual event. “I have been overwhelmed by the incredible response and participation of my friends and family this year. Breast cancer marks so many lives and this event is a great local initiative in which we can raise money that will make a difference right here in B.C.”

Bowkett’s 13 teams are participating under the team name, ‘Courageous Cousins’, as they will run in honour of two women, cousins, who are coping with terminal breast cancer.

“Their bravery, courage and positive motivation are inspirational. If they can fight breast cancer with a constant smile, we can do a 16-km relay to recognize them. Our goal is to have these two women at the finish line when we cross,” added Bowkett.

Seek the Peak is open to all ages and abilities in a unique relay format, or participants can complete the entire distance independently. The 5th Annual Seek the Peak Relay is presented by Merrell and hosted by Grouse Mountain and begins with race day registration at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2008.

For registration details, including race fees, or to sign-up please visit www.seekthepeak.ca or call 604.980.9311.