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Climbers Scale St. Louis Trees During International Tree Climbing Competition
Nearly 100 arborists from 22 countries compete in events that test speed, rescue and route planning as the championship marks its 50th year.
- Nearly 100 professional arborists from 22 countries gathered in St. Louis on Friday, October 9, 2026, for the 50th International Tree Climbing Championship, a three-day competition.
- Organizers selected St. Louis as a nod to the inaugural 1976 contest, according to Caitlyn Pollihan, CEO of the International Society of Arboriculture, which puts on the event.
- Competitors demonstrate finesse through timed events including the Ascent, work climb, and aerial rescue, scrambling through 80- to 100-foot trees to simulate real-world job cuts.
- The event fosters community among the 52 men and 39 women participating, with Pollihan noting, "Theres this just fascinating camaraderie that you wouldnt necessarily expect at a competition."
- Athletes are graded on speed, route planning, and poise across all events, and those achieving the highest scores will advance to the Masters Challenge, which determines the overall winner.
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The Toronto Star+14 Reposted by 14 other sources
Climbers scale St. Louis trees during international tree climbing competition
Nearly 100 arborists clad in helmets and rope harnesses scaled pine, sweetgum and oak trees in a St. Louis park Friday during the International Tree Climbing Championship.
·Toronto, Canada
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Climbers scale St. Louis trees during international tree climbing competition – WTOP News
Nearly 100 arborists clad in helmets and rope harnesses scaled pine, sweetgum and oak trees in a St. Louis park Friday during the International Tree Climbing Championship. This year marks the competition’s 50th anniversary, where contestants from 22 countries are showcasing their climbing finesse over three days. During the belayed speed climb, fellow competitors cheered...
·Chevy Chase, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left11Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution65% Left
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources lean Left
65% Left
L 65%
C 29%
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