British Boulder Championships return to Manchester this weekend
Britain’s best boulderers return to Manchester to battle it out for the coveted title of British Boulder Champion.
This weekend, Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 January, the British Boulder Championships will return to Manchester for the for the second year and will feature the very best of British Bouldering talent going head-to-head against future climbing stars. As athletes chalk up for a packed weekend of competition, here’s everything you need to know.
Hosted at Depot Manchester, the Championships also serve as a selection event for the GB Climbing Team and will showcase a host of Britain’s leading sport climbers. Among them is Boulder World Championship finalist and reigning men’s British Boulder Champion, Jack MacDougall.
Challenging MacDougall are Paris 2024 finalist and 2025 silver medallist Hamish McArthur, alongside 2025 bronze medallist, Dayan Akhtar.
Emma Edwards, who claimed gold at the 2025 Brussels European Cup, leads a strong women’s field. She will face competition from multiple British Championships gold medallist Zoë Peetermans, and 2025 British Boulder Championships bronze medallist Fae MacDougall. U17 British Boulder Champion Iggy Rinaldi will also step up to compete in her first senior Championships.
The U17 competition features a number of rising stars, including Imogen Lilley, who placed second at last year’s Championships, and returning U17 Champion Spike Fullwood.
Laura Needham, Head of Performance at the British Mountaineering Council, said: “We’re delighted to be able to kick-off the domestic calendar back in Manchester and it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the talent we have in the UK climbing scene.
“I would like to wish all athletes good luck as the step out onto the mats this weekend”
The competition will be set by Head Setters Dave Barrans (Senior) and Ros Beveridge (U17), alongside route setters Pierre Broyer, Nathan Phillips, Ewan McFadyen, Jake Mason, Giacomo Buscato and Tara Hayes
Where to watch
The BMC are delighted to bring you live coverage from the British Boulder Championships via the BMC YouTube channel. Coverage will be starting and approximately ending at the following times:
Semi-finals
U17 & Senior: 10:30- 13:00
Finals
U17 final: 17:00-18:00
Senior final: 18:30-20:00
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