Speed climbers will engage in one-on-one speed “runs” (aka “heats”) up a 15-meter-wall on two identical, side-by-side climbs. The route will be the exact same route that has served as the standard speed course in competitions for almost 15 years, a collection of red, amoeba-shaped holds placed in a standardized sequence.
Current National Records
5.99 – Emma Hunt (USA) | July 4, 2026; World Climbing Series Kraków 2026
4.60 – Sam Watson (USA) | July 4, 2026; World Climbing Series Kraków 2026
14.52 (Relay) – Emma Hunt and Sophie Curcio (USA) | August 16, 2025; The World Games Chengdu 2025
10.06 (Relay) – Zach Hammer and Sam Watson (USA) | August 16, 2025; The World Games Chengdu 2025
10.89 (Mixed Relay) – Samuel Watson and Emma Hunt (USA) | July 4, 2026; World Climbing Series Kraków 2026
Current Pan American Records
6.08 – Emma Hunt (USA) | May 31, 2026; World Climbing Series Comunidad de Madrid 2026
4.60 – Sam Watson (USA) | July 4; World Climbing Series Kraków 2026
9.91 (Relay) – Zach Hammer and Sam Watson (USA) | July 5; World Climbing Series Kraków 2026
Current World Records
4.54 – Yicheng Zhao (CHN) | May 10, 2026 ; World Climbing Wujiang 2026
12.89 (Relay) – Deng Lijuan and Zhou Yafei (CHN) | July 5, 2026; World Climbing Series Kraków 2026
9.75 (Relay) – Jianguo Long (CHN) and Yicheng Zheo (CHN) | April 29, 2026; Asian Beach Games, Sanya 2026
USA Climbing has relied on TruBlue Auto Belays since 2020. To learn more about speed climbing, visit the Head Rush Technologies blog!