Kendal Wall Marmot Masters Round 2: Report

Kendal Wall hosted Round 2 of the popular “Marmot Masters Bouldering Competition” attracting a record number of competitors.  The event is a series of fun climbing competitions for our busy winter season in collaboration with our sponsors Marmot outdoor clothing. Round 1 in October proved a huge success with over 50 climbers from all over the North West taking part.

Round 2 on Friday 27th November exceeded all expectations with the entrants growing to over 80 competitors.

The competition was accessible to all ages and climbing abilities, with competitors separated into categories, so that everyone had a chance of winning a fantastic Marmot prize.  Competitors had to complete 20 set boulder problems, speed climbing and endurance elements all to be completed within 4 hours, the pressure was on! The atmosphere was electric with DJ Stan McNulty providing great tunes all night to keep everybody psyched up.
The competition climbs were set by Leah Crane, Emma Twyford and Simon Bennett. Leah Crane is a two-times British Bouldering Champion and Marmot sponsored athlete, Emma Twyford, who grew up in the Lakes, is one of the very best female climbers operating in the current British scene and Simon Bennett is the Lakeland Climbing Centre’s Head Route Setter.
The highlight of the evening was boulder problem number 13 of the comp, with many talented and strong climbers failing to climb up the deviously slopping, technical boulder problem.  It took 17 year-old local climber Aiden Roberts (Junior european bouldering champion) from Rydal to finally show everyone the way.

Aiden Roberts took the Elite Men’s top spot, with local girl Kitty Morrison from Ulverston winning the closely fought Elite Ladies category. Local girl Kelly Roberts from Kendal had a great night to take the Premier Ladies category from Kendal Wall’s own Sophie Edwards, who came fifth this time around. The veteran men’s category is always popular but Kendal gent Neil Davies pulled away from the field early to take first place.
“I am delighted to see that yet again there has been an increase in people taking part including an increase in junior entries.  The atmosphere was buzzing and the feedback about the competition and the routes has been extremely positive”, commented Head Route Setter, Simon Bennett.

Round 3 is of the competition is being held on Friday, 5th February 2016.

The Lakeland Climbing Centre would like to thank their sponsors Marmot, and Soundsmith Audio Visual for helping us create these events.