MOUNT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCES 16TH ANNUAL SEEK THE PEAK HIKE-A-THON JULY 15-16

North Conway, NH (June 2016) – On July 15 and 16, hikers will ascend Mount Washington’s great heights for the 16th annual Seek the Peak hike-a-thon, benefitting the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory. Seek the Peak is the weather station’s largest annual fundraiser.

The weekend-long event provides several ways to participate beyond a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Washington. Participants looking to fundraise are welcome to explore other hikes in the area, and even non-hikers can attend all the events surrounding Seek the Peak, like the Kick-Off Party, Outdoor Expo, and After Party. There are also volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available.

“Hikers are encouraged to hike within their comfort level–some may challenge themselves to summit Mount Washington, others may target a 4,000 footer they are looking to check off their list, while others simply like to participate in the social events and opt out of the hike,” says Observatory Director of Events & Marketing, Krissy Fraser.

The Kick-Off Party is held on Friday night from 4-9PM at the Weather Discovery Center in North Conway, NH. Participants will check-in and drop off any final donations, and those who raised at least $200 will receive a prize backpack and Seek the Peak t-shirt before mingling during social hour. Participants are awarded incentive prizes provided by the event’s many sponsors for each level of fundraising that they achieve before the Kick-Off Party.

On Saturday, hikers meet at either the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center or the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead to begin their trek between 6 and 9AM. Hikers are able to attend complimentary tours of the Weather Station upon reaching the summit between 9:30AM and 3PM.

While participants complete their hike, an Outdoor Expo from 2-7PM at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road is open to the public, emceed by WMTW Meteorologist Sarah Long and WMUR Meteorologist Josh Judge with demonstrations and giveaways from local vendors and event sponsors. The After Party, also held at the base of the Auto Road from 5-7PM, includes dinner provided by Hart’s Turkey Farm, and festivities for the whole family. Participants who raise at least $200 for the cause gain free entrance to the After Party, while friends and family can purchase a dinner ticket for $25.

Sponsored by Scarsdale Security, Eastern Mountain Sports and Vasque with support from Ch8 WMTW-TV – Maine’s Total Weather & News, 93.5 WMWV, NorthConwayLodging.com, White Mountain Oil & Propane and Fairpoint Communications, Seek the Peak is open to hikers of all ages and abilities.

For more information and to register, volunteer, or become an event sponsor, visit SeekthePeak.org, or call (603) 356-2137, x231.