3rd Annual
BOULDERTHON
BOULDERTHON
October 2-3, 2026
Welcome
Welcome to the third annual DCFC Boulderthon! We're stoked to be bringing you another round of Boulderthon! We were impressed with everyone's enthusiasm last year, and cannot wait for this year's comp and festivities!
Duluth has a relatively short yet rich history of bouldering (see introduction segments of Duluth's Urban Cragger and Peter’s Guide to Duluth Bouldering), and we are glad to be highlighting it in an outdoor bouldering competition. Though this is a competition, the main goal of this event is to get people on boulders outside - after all, there are over 500 boulder problems within the Duluth city limits! We are glad you’re here, and thank you for your contribution to the DCFC to participate. Let’s get down to it!
Geology
Ahh, Duluth: the city on a hill overlooking an expansive inland freshwater sea. Though the bouldering is relatively new, the rocks are 1.1 billion years old; formed by ancient volcanoes, scraped by immense glaciers, and weathered from the intense freeze thaw cycles. The rocks we climb have a history incomprehensible to human consciousness; and now we gawk at and climb them for their beauty, challenge, and the opportunity to...conquer them? Ourselves? Anywho...at least we have a ton of fun doing it! The type of rock you'll likely encounter as you bop around Duluth is Gabbro - an igneous rock with fine to coarse crystals formed by slow cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich magma deep below Earth's surface. It's good when it's good, but slippery as hell when the feet are bad. Frost wedging is common, please so be conscious of what you're climbing and do your due diligence to check for loose blocks and holds prior to climbing.
2026 Sponsors
Ely's Peak Level Sponsors
Skyline Level Sponsors
Little Foxx Canyon Level Sponsors
Hartley Park Level Sponsors
Boulderthon Sponsors
Communication & Volunteering
We've made a discord channel specifically for the Boulderthon. If you're looking for teammates, unsure about an area or boulder you'd like to check out before the comp, need a partner/spotter - post it there! During the event we'll be posting there as well as sending emails for important updates.
We are also looking for volunteers to help us during check-in and orientation (October 2) and during the comp day (October 3). If you'd like to be a part of this epic event but would rather not compete, sign up to volunteer!
Event Schedule
Categories
- Individual - Individuals participating in the Boulderthon MUST have at least one witness (partner) to confirm their ascent, and ensure you have a spotter. Keep note of your top 6 climbs you completed. Total points will be calculated at the end of the competition.
- Team - Teams of 3 to 4 people may register for this category. Teams will have an objective of climbing As Many Unique Problems as Possible. No repeats! V-grades do not count for points here. Keep track of who completed which problem. Teams may consist of multiple levels of climbers.
ATTENTION: TEAM FORMAT HAS CHANGED
To accommodate for all abilities and fairness in scoring, the team format has changed. This new format allows for mixed teams without the added pressure of choosing a difficulty division and worrying about weighted scores.
Within teams, individuals also have the option to participate in the Individual Category. Individuals will be scored on difficulty of climbs, same as previous Boulderthons (see above for individual guidelines).
If you would like to participate in the Team AND Individual competition, select both boxes and fill out additional information as necessary in the registration form. ALL team members must register separately.
Only one person on a team may claim points for any singular problem. For the individual who completed the climb, write your initials next to it. (example: two members of the same team cannot claim Double Rainbow V2 at Ely’s Peak)
A brief note on honesty: Since this is a city-wide boulder competition, we are using the honor system. This is a fun, friendly event; please be true and accurate in documenting your ascents.
Scoring Divisions (Individual Only)
- Recreational: V0-V2
- Intermediate: V0-V5
- Advanced: V0-V6 and beyond
Aid Stations
There are two aid stations that will be set up during the comp. Each station will have water, snacks, first aid & skin care, wag bags, trash bags, and a porta potty nearby. The aid stations will also have volunteers that can serve as witnesses to your ascents, and/or spotters. Each aid station will have crash pads that are to stay at the aid station - if you do not have a crash pad, please plan on climbing at one (or all) of these two spots. Scorecards will be available at aid stations after 9am. Before then, please pick them up at the Grand Ave Chalet at Spirit Mountain.
- AID STATIONS TBD
Lodging
Camping
Below are some campground options in the area. A camp spot is not guaranteed, so please make your reservations or call the campground ahead of the Boulderthon.
NOTE! Buffalo Valley Campground has a Boulderthon event-specific discount for tent camping! Instead of $43/tent/night, they are offering $75/tent for two nights ($37.50/tent/night). Call the Buffalo Valley Campground and reserve under "Boulderthon" – this deal expires September 25, 2026!
- Buffalo Valley Campground
- Spirit Mountain Campground
- Indian Point Campground
- Fond Du Lac Campground
- Bagley Nature Area Campground
Hotel
We have a 15-room block reserved at Baymont by Wyndham at Duluth/Spirit Mountain. Each room has two queen beds, at a $189/night rate. Please call to reserve under "Boulderthon 2026." Unreserved rooms will be released on September 2nd, 2026. First come first serve.
Rain Contingency Plan
If it rains on Saturday but looks dry on Sunday, the competition and awards will be moved to Sunday, and the total number of climbs will be reduced. We will host side comps and a pre-party on Saturday. If rain is forecasted to plague the whole weekend, comp officials will make decisions and notify participants closer to the comp - Saturday party will exist either way.
Boulderthon FAQ
Here's a list of questions we've received. If you have one, send it our way and we'll list it here!
Q: Which areas will the Boulderthon be taking place? Can we climb anywhere?
- A: Any existing boulder problem in Duluth is ON. Projects will not count - the climb must be listed on Mountain Project, the Urban Cragger guide pdf, Peter's Guide to Duluth Bouldering, or the new Duluth Bouldering Guidebook.
Q: Urban Cragger and Peter's Guide have different grades than Mountain Project - which grade is being scored?
- A: The grade listed on Mountain Project will be the grade scored. It is more recent than the guidebooks, and has more community consensus.
Q: Can I climb outside of my grade category and get points for it?
- A: You can climb anything from V0 up to your category limit and receive points for it.
Q: What if I registered for the wrong category?
- A: Let us know prior to the competition, we can change it up until comp check-in (9/26)
Q: What happens if I turn my scorecard late (after 6:00pm)?
- A: It won’t be scored, but please join the festivities!
Q: Do I have to be at the chalet in the morning to pick up my scorecard? Do I have to be there right at 6am?
- A: You can get your scorecard at the Chalet until 9am. After that, you can get your scorecard at an aid station at any time during the remainder of the competition (9:00am-5:30pm)
Q: What if I don’t get 6 climbs (or 15 climbs as a team)?
- A: We will score what you have! We’re happy you’re here!
Q: What counts as an attempt?
- A: An “attempt” is defined as any action where you attempt to climb a route regardless of where you start. Working out a move midway up a route is counted as an “attempt” each time you pull on a hold.
Q: If we’re climbing as a group/team, do we all have to be in the same category?
- A: No, your team can consist of multiple levels of climbers. All teams will be scored together.
Q: Is this a serious comp or a community building event?
- A: You can take the competition as seriously or lightly as you’d like! This event is all about getting folks outside on the great rocks we have in the area, building community, and having fun!
Q: What if I don't own a crash pad?
- A: You've got options! If you would like to rent pads, University of Minnesota - Duluth's Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP) has crash pads for rent ($8/day). You can click HERE to access their website. Otherwise, there are 3 aid/volunteer stations at which pads will be already set up for you! The pads must stay at the aid station locations, but there are over 100 problems between the three sites so you shouldn't have an issue filling your scorecard with climbs!
Questions?
If you have any questions please email events@duluthclimbingandfitness.com