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UWinnipeg’s Annual Great Rock Climb

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The brainchild of President Emeritus Dr. Duckworth, the 25-ton granite boulder was placed on the front lawn of the University of Winnipeg on October 7, 1971. The Rock of Remembrance commemorates the 100th anniversary of Manitoba College, a founding college of what is now The University of Winnipeg.

The University of Winnipeg’s annual Great Rock Climb is a celebration of endurance and ingenuity. Teams of three will hurl themselves down the 50.3 metres from the steps of Wesley Hall to the top of the Great Rock in a test of physical stamina and defiance of earthly gravity.

The team to get all three members on top of the Great Rock in the fastest time will be declared the winner and their name will grace the Great Rock Climb trophy. The top three teams will receive cash prizes, provided generously by Dr. Henry E. Duckworth. The incredible time of 9.8 seconds, set by a 1979 team, remains unbroken.

Contestants, along with members of the University community, will be treated to free beef and veggie burgers, courtesy of The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. After the grueling contest, stay for live entertainment, also sponsored by the UWSA.

A pictorial history of the Annual Great Rock Climb