Are you taking steps to improve your health? How about 633 of them?

B.C.'s elite tower runner, and Urban Grind spokesperson, Shaun Stephens-Whale.

Have you noticed crowds of people at Harbour Centre on Tuesday afternoons during the month of March?  They are all awaiting their chance to take on a big fitness challenge – the Harbour Centre Urban Grind.

The Urban Grind is a 633 step challenge up the stairwell of the Vancouver Lookout, that can take anywhere from four to twenty minutes.  For $5, participants are rewarded at the top with a 360-degree view of the city, a refreshing Steamworks beer, DJ entertainment, and a $5 food court voucher. 

More than two thousand people have completed the Urban Grind.  It’s been incredible to see how our strategic social media efforts and extensive media coverage has resulted in so many people enjoying this unique fitness challenge.

B.C.’s elite Tower Runner, Shaun Stephens-Whale, has been lending his support to the campaign.  Every week, Shaun has been offering tips and techniques to Urban Grinders who are serious about their stairwell workouts.   As the Urban Grind spokesperson, Shaun has been interviewed about his formidable tower running career on CBC’s Early Edition, Global TV, City TV, and Roundhouse Radio. 

Amazingly, there have been Urban Grinders who have completed the circuit several times, as well as people who are able to complete the Urban Grind in under six minutes.  Anyone who uses the hashtag #UrbanGrind on social media has a chance to win great prizes from The Vancouver Lookout, Snowbus, and The Bar Strength and Conditioning Gym.

The final Urban Grind challenge is open to the public this Tuesday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.  Get your friends, classmates, and work colleagues together and take on the Urban Grind challenge at Harbour Centre.  See you there!