This weekend, Vancouver’s tech community logged out of their computers and logged in to nature, taking part in Tech Grind with United Way.
Participants get ready for the 2018 Tech Grind race!
Now in its third year, this competition takes teams up Grouse Mountain – all 2,830 steps, 2.9 km and 853 meters in elevation.
As they raced against each other, participants also competed to see who could raise the most funds in support of vital programming for our local community. This includes life-changing United Way after-school initiatives that combat unignorable issues like child vulnerability, bullying and access to education. In total, over $24,000 was raised in support of local kids.
It was all smiles on the way to the top for these racers.
A new way to interface
This year’s teams represented Vancouver’s diverse and growing tech sector and included IT/IQ Tech Recruiters, as well as Clio, Mobify and Sierra Systems. IT/IQ Tech Recruiters also stepped up as the event’s Time Keeper sponsor alongside Supporting sponsor SAXX. United Way staff also threw on their hiking shoes and racing gear. Fuelled by generous donations to their teams, together, everyone made their way to the top.
The team from IT | IQ Recruiters gets ready to tackle the Grind.
Cooler temperatures and a sprinkle of rain were the perfect conditions for what can be a gruelling hike up to the top of Grouse Mountain. United Way’s mascot Seymour the Sea Otter was on hand to energize the hikers, joining in on some pre-Grind stretching and jumping jacks and sending participants up the hill with encouraging high-fives.
Off they go!
In total over 100 participants scaled the mountain, each one a champion for showing their local love – and commitment to our community!
The greatest grinders
The day wasn’t without some healthy competition and a little inter-team grandstanding. A few participants made their mark early in the race, breaking away from the pack and finishing in impressive times.
Brooke (L) was the fastest woman to the top of the Grind in just over 43 minutes.
Brooke Williamson from Matchbox Consulting was the fastest woman to the top of the mountain, completing the Grind in a blistering 43:18 minutes. The fastest man Clayton Dendy from Deloiite completed his race in just over 39 and a half minutes.
Our fastest male Tech Grinder Clayton Dendy.
Both Brooke and Clayton won two night hotel stays to celebrate their speed. Well deserved indeed!
On top of the world
After ascending the peak, participants enjoyed a post-Grind endorphin rush and were treated to a wonderful buffet and gorgeous view in the Timber Room. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to mix and mingle with their fellow grinders, recounting their race highlights. The debate over which section of the Grind is the hardest continues to remain unresolved.
Tean Capilano University beat out all other teams, netting the most donations and raising $4,012.45 for United Way. They received a deluxe prize package from Waves Coffee for their outstanding efforts.
Congratulations to Capilano University for your amazing fundraising efforts! Erin McFadden (Berry) accepts their prize.
Karen Kobel of Kahlena Studio in North Vancouver helped competitors sooth their sore muscles in a rejuvenating yoga cool-down. Even Seymour the Sea Otter took part! Feras Elkhalil and Mark Goldberg, co-Chairs of UW’s Tech Division Cabinet, thanked participants for their incredible performance both on and off the mountain, as champions of United Way.
Seymour the Sea Otter was practicing his sun salutations with Karen from Kahlena Movement Studio.
Our greatest thanks to all the Tech Grind 2018 participants and donors, to all participating employers and teams, to event volunteers and special guests and our sponsors.
See more photos from the day here.
Once again the amazing Vancouver tech community proved that it’s possible to hack the Grouse Grind. We cannot thank you enough.
We’ll see you next year!
Interested in other ways to keep fit, have fun and give back to your community? Check out plogging – the easy, earth-wise exercise.
Topics : Local love
