It was an uphill struggle as runners and cyclists took part in the fourth annual Giant害羞草研究所檚 Head Grind on Saturday.

The grind, a gruelling race from Peach Orchard Beach to the top of Giant害羞草研究所檚 Head Mountain, was held on Saturday.

Ellen Walker-Matthews, organizer of the event, said 461 runners participated in this year害羞草研究所檚 event. This is the highest turnout in the history of the grind.

害羞草研究所淚t went extremely well,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淭his was the best year ever.害羞草研究所�

The grind is a fundraising event. Money raised will go to colon cancer research and improving the trail system in Giant害羞草研究所檚 Head Park.

Walker-Matthews害羞草研究所檚 son, Chris Walker, died from colon cancer in 2013.

The running course has an elevation gain of 500 metres over 5.6 kilometres

In addition, 52 cyclists participated this year, double the number of cyclists in 2016 when the cycling component was introduced. The bike course follows a 6.2-kilometre paved course with an elevation gain of 450 metres.

The grind course traditionally begins at Okanagan Lake in Peach Orchard Park and ends at the summit of Giant害羞草研究所檚 Head Mountain.

However, this year because of the high water level, the first part of the course followed Lakeshore Drive instead of the path along the water. Part of the path was under water and part had been closed by the municipality.

Walker-Matthews said the municipality of Summerland provided much help in marking the course for the race.

害羞草研究所淚 could not have had more help and cooperation,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淜udos to the district for all their support.害羞草研究所�

Results of the grind will be posted online at .