UKC

Female El Cap Speed Record BrokenNewsflash

© Ice Nine

Shortly after the sun crested Half Dome on 28th October, two of Yosemite Valley’s fastest women started up the Yosemite Grand Prix - the Nose of El Capitan. Libby Sauter and Mayan Smith-Gobat hit the stop watch at 7:18 a.m. and charged up the granite big-wall. 

Libby Sauter leading off of Dolt Tower  © James Lucas
Libby Sauter leading off of Dolt Tower
© James Lucas

The pair climbed the 3,000-foot route in two blocks with Sauter leading the first half to Boot Flake and Smith-Gobat taking the reins to the summit. Though they had planned to take a “practice” run, the women climbed quickly and shaved over half an hour from their September 2013 record. A loud cheer broke out in the meadow below when Sauter snagged the tree, joining Smith-Gobat at the summit in a mere 5 hours and 2 minutes - a new women's speed record on the Nose.

Mayan Smith-Gobat  © James Lucas
Mayan Smith-Gobat
© James Lucas

This report first appeared on Rock and Ice by James Lucas.


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