“The bouldering competition will consist of beginner, intermediate, advanced and marathon difficulty levels and will be divided between the men’s and the women’s competition,” Dan McCoy, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, said.
Each difficulty level will consist of 10 to 15 different climbing routes, which participants will self-score after their completion.
“Two spectators are required to initial as witnesses to each participant,” McCoy said.
Climbers are free to attempt the marathon level competition, in which they will complete as many routes as they can. They start at the easiest and move up in difficulty, he said.
Themes set out by the Outdoor Program will add a twist. This Friday is Wild West night, at which contestants are encouraged to deck themselves out in Wild West gear that complies with the gym’s dress code.
Recycled Halloween costumes will serve as the theme for the Nov. 11 competition.
The series has also attracted some attention in the form of sponsors. They include Clif Bar, the Wyoming Conservation Corps, the National Outdoor Leadership School and Cross-Country Connection, McCoy said.
“T-shirts will be given to contestants who place in the top three of their categories, and raffles will be held with boxes of Clif Bars and other great stuff being handed out,” McCoy said.
The sponsors of the competition have provided the Outdoor Program with carabineers, chalk bags, bouldering pads and all kinds of things to fulfill the needs of climbers, he said.
“We expect a turnout of about 60 – 90 people, judging by past numbers. Students, faculty and those not affiliated with the University are all strongly encouraged to come have fun, and people can even come just to watch and to see all the crazy costumes,” McCoy said.
Students and faculty can climb in the series for free. All competitors are required to sign a waiver before competing.
“The series is low-key, relaxed, non-competitive fun which resembles an intermural competition more than anything,” McCoy said. “Everyone is encouraged to come out and try it.”