Military Climbing Competition in Milton Keynes

The final of the 2022/2023 British Armed Forces Bouldering League (AFBL) took place earlier this month at Big Rock Bond in Milton Keynes, UK. Sponsored by EP Climbing and Helix Operations, the league comprised of six separate competitions around the UK, with competitors’ overall ranking being based on their three highest scores.

Over 130 competitors from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, and Royal Air Force participated in the final round of the military climbing competition, which featured 25 dedicated bouldering problems from V0-V8. Although competing against each other, it was fantastic to see the friendly rivalry between climbers, encouraging one another and sharing beta.

Results are as follows:

Women’s Elite – 1^st Amy Johnstone (Army)

Women’s Open – 1^st Bex Capewell (RAF)

Men’s Elite – 1^st Andy Mawhinny (Army)

Men’s Masters – 1^st Will Dop (Army)

Men’s Open – 1^st Ian Kidson (Army)

Men’s Under 25 – 1^st Aidan Coutts (RAF)

Best Guest – Mick Cooke (Royal Navy, retired)

Having sponsored military climbing competitions for 20 years, EP Climbing was delighted to be involved with the AFBL.