North Vancouver man wins 2026 Grouse Grind challenge with 19 ascents

A man is pushing the limits on the Grouse Grind in North Vancouver and trying to beat his own record for a good cause.

A grueling annual competition on the Grouse Grind has crowned a new winner.

North Vancouver resident Ross Hamilton came out on top of the 2026 Multi Grouse Grind Challenge on Monday, completing 19 ascents in 19 hours.

It was the fourth attempt for Hamilton, who raised $5,000 for the North Shore Rescue this year—an organization that helped airlift him to safety following an accident two years ago.

“Ross’s achievement is truly remarkable, especially with yesterday’s high temperatures,” said Emily Leak, Grouse Mountain Resort spokesperson, in a statement.

Neighbouring West Vancouver saw a high of 30.6 on Monday, breaking the city’s daily heat record for June 11.

Hamilton beat Sean Green, last year’s winner and the holder of the overall record of 21 ascents in the competition.

“I just love pushing myself and seeing what I can do,” Green said Monday. “I feel we’re capable of so much more than we think.”

The second-place finisher was Maxime Duterloo, also from North Vancouver, who completed 18 ascents.

Organizers said 130 participants completed more than 1,100 ascents combined, raising more than $57,000 for North Shore Rescue in the process.

Rescue team leader Scott Merriman thanked all the hikers, volunteers and donors for their support.

“The funds raised through the Multi Grouse Grind Challenge help ensure our team has access to critical equipment, training, and resources so we can continue responding whenever and wherever we’re needed,” Merriman said in a statement.