TEAM GB members will be among a group of elite UK climbers taking part in a unique challenge at the Boulder Hut in Ellesmere Port this weekend.

The Spring Launch Games takes place from 7pm on Sunday (April 25) and combines a competitive contest with a fashion show as the climbing walls become a vertical catwalk.

The mixed-sex event, which is being hosted by sustainable activewear brand 3rd Rock and will be streamed free of charge, brings together eight professional climbers embarking on a set of four bouldering ‘problems’ while modelling the brand’s new collection.

Olympic hopefuls Jen Woods and Billy Ridal will be competing in the contest, which will place participants in mixed gender teams – less commonly seen in professional climbing contests.

Taking part will be members of the GB climbing team – Billy Ridal and Jen Wood – as well as former Team GB climber turned coach, Rachel Carr.

GB paraclimbing team members Mikey Cleverdon and Matthew Phillips, having had multiple podium finishes in their careers, are also involved.

Joining them are pro-climbers Holly Rees and Ayeesha Khan and multi-disciplined climber James Taylor.

They will compete in teams of two until a final winning team is crowned champions of the very first SPRING LAUNCH GAMES.

Climbing and sports fashion fans alike will be able to watch the event via a live stream with commentary on the clothes coming from 3rd Rock co-founder, designer and pattern cutter Jessica Mor.

Minute by minute analysis of each climb will come from Mike Langley – an experienced climber, British Mountaineering Council national route setter and official at multiple world cups.

  • For more information or to sign up to the live stream visit the sign-up page .