A gruelling climb this spring will raise money for colon cancer research while honouring a Summerland athlete.
The Giant’s Head Grind will be held in May, beginning at Rotary Beach and ending at the summit of Giant’s Head Mountain.
“It’s a straight-up grind,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, creator of the event.
The race is in memory of her son Christopher Walker who died in May, 2013 following an 11-month battle with colon cancer. He was 29.
“Chris had a journey with cancer that touched our lives in ways we could never have expected and ultimately ended his life,” Walker-Matthews said. “It is a terrible journey that so many in our community have sadly had to take with their own loved ones.”
Walker competed twice in the Ironman Canada triathlon in Penticton and was a goaltender with the Summerland Jets when he played minor hockey.
The race is the first of what is hoped to become an annual event on the May long weekend.
Money raised from the event will go to the B.C. Cancer Foundation for colon cancer research.
The race on Saturday, May 17 will begin at Rotary Beach, on the shore of Okanagan Lake, and will end at the top of Giant’s Head Mountain. The elevation gain over the four-kilometre course is 500 metres.
Summerland Rotary Club will organize the race.
The Rotary Club will use the event to showcase Giant’s Head Mountain while raising funds for the trails in the mountain park.
Registration will begin March 1. Those interested in participating and volunteering should visit giantsheadgrind.com for more information.
