The fourth annual HERA Climb for Life Las Vegas held February 25 – 26, more than doubled last year’s fundraising effort. The two-day climbing event raised $22,000 for the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation. A portion of the funds will remain in Las Vegas to support the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Nevada. 

A total of 125 participants gathered at the Red Rock Climbing Center on West Charleston Blvd. on Saturday for clinics, yoga, free messages and non-stop climbing. Athletes included Alli Rainey, Stephanie Forte, Tiffany Campbell, Lisa Hathaway and Joe Kinder. Because it’s Las Vegas -- where anything can happen, it was not surprising when Chris Sharma and Elvis showed up at the gym.  

On Saturday night, nearly 150 people were on hand for the Climb for Life party, hosted by the Road Runner Restaurant & Salon. Misty Murphy, a climber and well-known musician in Salt Lake City, performed.  On Sunday, a group of 19 climbers climbed for life in Red Rock with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. 

Funds were raised through sponsors, registrations fees, and climbers that secured personal sponsorships. Those who raised over $250.00 for HERA were entered into a gear raffle. 

The top fundraisers were:
Stephanie Forte $1,750
Lori Corona $1,650
Allison Bananno $1,250
Erin Sawhill $800  

During Saturday’s event, participants climbed indoor routes that were assigned a point value in feet. Each climber tried to earn enough points to summit Red Rock’s Mt. Wilson (7068 feet.) 

The top climbers were:

Advanced Category
Lisa Harrison Las Vegas 30,083 feet
John Sprey San Diego 17,418 feet

Intermediate
Mike McGlynn Las Vegas 11,493 feet
Noelani Onsaga Las Vegas 17,543 feet

Beginner
Jesus Martin Gozmdez Las Vegas 3,693 feet
Megan Harper Las Vegas 11,918 feet

First-time Climber
J. Michael Chen Las Vegas 5,068 feet
Jenny Cline Las Vegas 4,368 feet