AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 14, 2026
World Climbing Series Comes to Smith's Ballpark
Smith's Ballpark in Salt Lake City will transform into a hub for climbing excellence, starting Friday, as it hosts the World Climbing Series. Previously known as the International Federation of Sport Climbing World Cup, this event will bring together many of the world's top climbing athletes for an intense weekend of competition.
The Nature of Bouldering Competition
The climbing event focuses on bouldering, a discipline requiring competitors to climb short yet challenging walls without the use of ropes. Bouldering tests not just physical strength, but endurance, problem-solving, and composure, as each ascent—known as a boulder problem—demands climbers to figure out the best way to reach the top.
Event Schedule and Competition Structure
The bouldering competition kicks off on Friday with the men's qualification rounds in the morning, followed by the women’s qualification rounds in the evening. Route setters will create a total of 31 boulder problems for the event. The men’s semifinals and finals will take place on Saturday, with the women's semifinals and finals concluding the competition on Sunday.
Role of Route Setters in the Competition
Route setters play a crucial part in the climbing event, designing unique challenges for every round. Jeremy Ho, one of the route setters for the World Climbing Series, highlighted the unique nature of the sport: "This is one of the only sports in the world where the field of play changes and is unique each time the athletes turn around," Ho explained. In the final round, climbers receive only a quick preview before turning to face a brand new set of obstacles, with about four minutes to solve and ascend each wall.
Athletes Prepare for the Challenge
Among the competitors, Annie Sanders stands out as an athlete who has devoted significant time to climbing. Sanders has been climbing since childhood and trains 40 to 50 hours a week leading up to such major competitions. She spoke to the intensity and commitment required, expressing excitement to showcase the results of her training over the competition weekend. "Training takes a lot of time and dedication, so I’m excited to go out there and show what I’ve been training for and give it my all," Sanders said.
Access to the Event
Spectators can secure tickets to witness top climbing athletes confront the 31 boulder problems at Smith's Ballpark this weekend. More information on tickets and scheduling is available through the event organizers.
Source: fox13now.com.
