Coopers Rock will be turned into an outdoor climbing gym on Saturday, October 12th, in an event that will benefit the students of Garrett College’s Outdoor Leadership & Adventure (OLA) Education program.
The Coopers Rock Climb-a-thon, which takes place from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, will offer 50 different routes for climbing enthusiasts ages 8 and up. Climbers pay $50 to participate, or they can raise a minimum of $250 and have their entry fee waived.
“We’ve designed the climb-a-thon as a fun and friendly top-rope competition where climbers earn points based on route difficulty and mileage over three hours of climbing,” said OLA Professor Andy Hershey. “Our OLA students took part in planning the event, which directly supports OLA student equipment, certifications, and training.”
Hershey said prizes will be awarded to both top climbers and top fundraisers. Registrants, who receive a personal fundraising page to support the cause, earn extra prize entries for each $50 they raise.
“The more you raise, the more you win!” said Hershey, noting that past events have distributed thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes. Those prizes have included climbing ropes and harnesses, carabiners and belay devices, and gift certificates for restaurants, lodging, and guided outdoor adventures.
Participants may sign up at www.garrettcollege.edu/climbathon.
