MOUNT WASHINGTON, NH - Hundreds of hikers will return to the Presidential Range for The Mount Washington Observatory's 18th Annual Seek the Peak hike-a-thon on July 20-21, the largest annual fundraiser for the summit weather station.

"The energy and camaraderie that our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff bring to this weekend is inspiring," said President, Sharon Schilling.

"This is a critical fundraiser for the Observatory and I can't thank everyone enough for continued support and enthusiasm each year."

Participants raise a minimum of $200 to support the Observatory by hiking 6,288-foot Mount Washington or other peaks they choose. Individuals and teams of up to eight are eligible for chances to win valuable prizes donated by a wealth of sponsors. The first 500 people who raise the minimum take home an exclusive Seek the Peak t-shirt and STP Eastern Mountain Sports backpack.

The two-day event begins Friday, July 20 with the Kick-Off Party and registration at the Weather Discovery Center in North Conway. On Saturday, July 21 there are summit weather station tours, guided nature walks, an expo and after party at the base of Mount Washington at Great Glen Trails and the Mt. Washington Auto Road including dinner, entertainment and giveaways.

The expo begins at 2 p.m. and is a great opportunity for friends and family supporting Seek the Peak hikers to go for a walk on their own and participate in raffles with expo vendors like Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), Vasque, Darn Tough, Hyperlite Mountain Gear and more.

The Mount Washington Observatory is thrilled to have the return of many sponsors and supporters of this premiere hiking event. Presenting sponsors Eastern Mountain Sports and Mt. Washington Auto Rd. are back for 2018. M&M Assurance will continue to inspire young hikers with a special raffle for all qualified participating children under the age of 12. Mount Washington Radio Group with Roy Prescott and Mark Johnson are back to host the Expo and After Party. Backpacker Magazine Get Our Tour will be back in style with tour leader Randy Propster also emceeing Saturday's events. Backpacker Magazine and Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery are sponsoring two local Ability Plus adaptive sports teams.

To learn more or register for Seek the Peak, visit seekthepeak.org or contact Krissy Fraser at (603)356-2137 x231. For more information on the Mount Washington Observatory, visit MountWashington.org.

About Mount Washington Observatory
Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create the Earth's weather and climate. Since 1932, the Observatory has been monitoring the elements from its weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, using this unique site for scientific research and educational outreach. For more information, call (800) 706-0432 or visit MountWashington.org.





Posted 7/2/18