St. Louis hosts 50th International Tree Climbing Championship

The International Tree Climbing Championship is being held in St. Louis, marking the 50th anniversary of the event. Nearly 100 arborists from 22 countries are participating in the three-day competition, which includes events such as the belayed speed climb, aerial rescue, work climb, ascent, and throwline events.

Participants are evaluated on speed, route planning, and poise. The competition features 52 men and 39 women, many of whom have competed against each other previously. High scorers from the initial rounds will advance to the Masters’ Challenge. The event is organized by the International Society of Arboriculture, a nonprofit that chose St. Louis as the host city to honor the location of the inaugural 1976 championship.