The UK’s top university climbers gathered at The University of Warwick this weekend for the National Universities Lead and Speed Climbing Championships (NULSCC) 2025.

Held on Saturday 22 February, the event showcased an exhilarating display of strength, skill, and endurance as nearly 150 athletes competed at the Sports and Wellness Hub’s state-of-the-art Climbing Centre at The University of Warwick.

Spectators watched online and on campus as Leo Lam and Eve Poirier (University of Warwick) claimed victory in the speed event after a competitive series of knock-out races. In the lead event, Izzy Edgington (University of Leeds) and Richard Leung (University College London) secured the top spots by reaching the highest points on their final routes.

NULSCC 2025 was organised by the event’s original founders, University of Warwick alumni Elliot Payne and Laure Renault, alongside current students from Warwick University Climbing Club and Warwick Tech Crew, with staff from the Sports and Wellness Hub playing an important role in the event’s success.

Elliot Payne, NULSCC Founder, said: “Each year we redefine the standards for university climbing competitions, integrate ourselves more closely with our sport’s national governing body, and strengthen our partnerships with The University of Warwick and our other collaborators.

“Watching well over 100 up-and-coming student athletes battling it out on the same stage as half a dozen members of Team GB truly feels like a special moment for grassroots sport and elite-level competition to collide. Seeing our community come together – whether competing, spectating, donating to Climbers Against Cancer, or volunteering – proves we have created a truly aspirational space for both students and the wider public.”

Beyond the competition, NULSCC 2025 also supported Climbers Against Cancer (CAC), raising funds for international cancer research.

Helan Alexander from Climbers Against Cancer, said: “University students are our next vital team of volunteers, ambassadors, and sponsors. Events like NULSCC are critical for raising both funds and awareness, ensuring we continue our mission to support cancer research globally.”

Building on the success of last year’s championships, NULSCC 2025 attracted an impressive lineup of some of the UK’s top climbing talent.

Zoe Spriggins, British Mountaineering Council / GB Climbing Events and Competitions Manager, added: “It’s fantastic to see the National Universities Lead and Speed Championships continue to thrive, showcasing both the depth of talent and the growing passion for competition climbing at the university level.

“This event, being entirely volunteer-led, is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the community the organisers have created.”

With another successful championship completed, organisers are already looking ahead to next year’s event, aiming to expand its reach and continue inspiring the next generation of university climbers.

For updates on future events and more about NULSCC, visit their social media pages:

For photos, results and information:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nulscc.ww/ 

To re-watch the livestream and videos:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@National-Uni-Lead-Speed 

For general information:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/national-universities-lead-and-speed-climbing-championships

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact:

Stevie Connoll – Media & Communications Officer
stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791