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Libby Sauter and Mayan Smith-Gobat Break El Cap Speed Record

Shortly after the sun crested Half Dome this morning (October 28), two of Yosemite Valley’s fastest women started up the Yosemite Grand Prix - the Nose of El Capitan.

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Libby Sauter leadiing off of Dolt Tower. Photo by James Lucas.Shortly after the sun crested Half Dome this morning (October 28), two of Yosemite Valley’s fastest women started up the Yosemite Grand Prix – the Nose of El Capitan. Libby Sauter and Mayan Smith-Gobat hit the stop watch at 7:18 a.m. and charged up the granite big-wall.

The pair climbed the 3,000-foot route in two blocks with Sauter leading the first half to Boot Flake and Smith-Gobat taking the reins to the summit. Though they had planned to take a “practice” run, the women climbed quickly and shaved over half an hour from their September 2013 record. A loud cheer broke out in the meadow below when Sauter snagged the tree, joining Smith-Gobat at the summit in a mere 5 hours and 2 minutes – a new women’s speed record on the Nose.

Smith-Gobat taking a quick break during her record breaking blitz up the <em>Nose</em> of El Cap. Photo by James Lucas.”></p>
<p>~<em>Report and photos from the Valley floor by James Lucas, who says he “hasn’t slept in 30 hours” after climbing to Dolt Tower on El Cap to witness the historic send.</em></p>


      

      

      
      
                    
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