Image Credit: Iain Brown (Instagram: @IainClimbs)
Each year, student-athletes from across the UK converge on the Sport and Wellness Hub at the University of Warwick for an amazing opportunity. They all compete in the National Universities Lead and Speed Climbing Championships (NULSCC). NULSCC is the largest lead and speed climbing competition in the UK. It is a not-for-profit, student-led, community-driven event that raises money for cancer research. They achieve this by bringing together the best climbing talent in the UK.
Sport Climbing has exploded in popularity thanks to inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Team GB’s Toby Roberts took gold. This year is slated to be a massive year for student climbing competitions.
“But what even is Speed or Lead climbing?” I hear some of you ask.
Image Credit: Iain Brown (Instagram: @IainClimbs)
Speed Climbing is competitive indoor rock climbing where athletes race to the top of a standardised climbing wall as quickly as possible. Lead climbing is an event where athletes attempt to climb as high as possible with a rope. For each NULSCC event, the top two males and females from each institution have their rankings combined to calculate a team score.
Lancaster University was well represented at the 2024 National Universities Lead and Speed Climbing Championships where we ranked 9th out of 25 academic institutions in Lead Climbing. Now 2025 brings another opportunity for new and emerging talent to represent Lancaster in this exciting experience.
This year’s competition, set for February 22nd at the University of Warwick’s Sport and Wellness Hub, promises to be another thrilling showcase of the nation’s top climbing talent. Once again, the final round will be open to the public. Additionally, spectators are encouraged to cheer on athletes in a lively and supportive environment. Furthermore, the event is free to watch. Attendees are instead encouraged to donate to Climbers Against Cancer (CAC), the official charity partner of NULSCC.
NULSCC’s partnership with Climbers Against Cancer (CAC) ensures that all proceeds are used to directly support cancer research. Helan Alexander, a spokesperson for CAC, emphasised the importance of this partnership: “University students are our next vital team of volunteers, ambassadors, and sponsors. Events like NULSCC are critical for raising both funds and awareness, ensuring we continue our mission to support cancer research globally.”
As sport climbing continues to grow in popularity, especially following its debut at the Olympics, events like NULSCC, and the student climbing community in general, play a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of climbing talent. NULSCC has attracted elite athletes such as Joshua Bruyns, who represented South Africa in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and numerous athletes who have represented Team GB on an international stage: including Matthew Fall, Emma Futcher and Andrew Goodall.
Climbing offers not only physical and mental challenges but also a sense of community, resilience, and personal growth. As NULSCC Founder and Warwick alumnus Elliot Payne remarked, “It is so rewarding to deliver an event that simultaneously attracts the most talented athletes in the UK and a huge spread of up-and-coming athletes. I truly believe that what we have achieved as a community is something that we can all celebrate. I encourage all students across the UK to go and try climbing at your local wall, get involved with your local club, and see where the sport can take you.”
Mark your calendars for February 22nd at the University of Warwick Sport and Wellness Hub (Livestream details are yet to be confirmed). The finals will kick off at 16:45, with doors opening at 16:30 for public spectators. While spectating is free, donations to Climbers Against Cancer are welcomed and appreciated. If you would like to compete and are an experienced climber at a UK university (or graduate within the last two years), reach out to your institution’s climbing or mountaineering club and express your interest.
In the immortal words of Miley Cyrus: It’s the climb.
Follow the National Universities Lead and Speed Climbing Championships on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nulscc.ww
Check out their highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPO0tsrXe8E&t=56s
Check out their BBC feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aplFKN6iMeU
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