The inaugural ROCK Trad-Athlon fundraiser will take place this evening at the Vertical Edge Climbing Center in Durham. Carolina Climbers Coalition will put on the fundraiser. “This is likely the first time in the history of the galaxy that an event like this has been held,” CCC member David Thoenen said. “Nobody’s ever heard of a competition that’s set up with these kinds of events.”

Normally, an indoor climbing competition focuses solely on a technique called “bouldering,” which is simply ascending up a rock. The Trad-Athlon will be unique in that it will consist of four events that will address multiple climbing skills: Rappel, Ascend, Belay Escape and Team Traverse.

Prizes for the Trad-athlon competitions will be provided by the Great Outdoor Provision Company.

Aside from the climbing aspect of the fundraiser, the event will also feature activities such as a silent auction, raffle prizes and live music provided by the Old Habits bluegrass band.

The fundraiser is an attempt to help the CCC pay for its recent purchase of Laurel Knob. Towering in the mountains of western North Carolina, Laurel Knob is recognized as one of the best climbing faces on the East Coast.

“Laurel Knob is 1,000 feet of vertical granite and is one of the most gorgeous sites anyone can ever hope to climb,” Thoenen said.

Despite its renowned reputation, climbers rarely explore Laurel Knob. Since the site was under private ownership, those who attempted to climb the knob could be charged with trespassing.

When the owner of the land put a $250,000 price tag on Laurel Knob, Thoenen and other CCC members jumped at the chance to purchase it. The knob is set to open for climbers later this month once an access trail is completed.

Thoenen expects the ROCK Trad-athlon to go a long way in helping to raise money for the knob purchase. He’s also optimistic that the event will bring out many interested competitors and spectators in the triangle region.

Thoenen, a 60-year-old retiree who took up climbing a mere five years ago, said he is living proof that it’s never to late to pursue climbing as a hobby.

“The spirit of the adventure is what drew me to the sport,” Thoenen said. “It’s just a wonderful way to challenge yourself while having some fun.”

The ROCK Trad-athlon will charge competitors a small entry fee but will allow spectators to come for free. Competition check-in opens at 6 p.m., and the events will begin at 7 p.m.