The 38th annual UBC Storm the Wall wrapped up Wednesday night with the champions' awards ceremony. With over 850 teams and 3,500 participants, this year's event was bigger and better than ever. It marked the inaugural year of the Wall Challenge, a new race for teams who just want to climb the wall.
“Unfortunately, it's a little bit wet, but it's been really great up until today. We only hope to continue on our really awesome streak and everyone's been having a great time,” said Alyssa Reyes who helped organize the event with UBC Rec.
With precipitation on three of the four race days, all teams finished strong and competed well to get over the wall. Spirits were certainly running high, especially during Wednesday's Gag Heat which boasted racers dressed up in all manners of costumes.
“I saw a bicycle built for two out there. I think the gag heat will be interesting,” said Amy Gibson, the marketing and communications coordinator for UBC Rec.
Ever since the introduction of Just For Fun teams, Storm The Wall has seen tremendous growth.
“It's really great to just see everyone come out and check it off their bucket list,” said Reyes.
The Wall's location has shifted over the years, especially recently with the construction of the Nest. But this year has finally come to what officials see as its resting place for the foreseeable future.
Joining the Wall outside the Nest this year was also the second annual Storm The Wall Party at the Plaza featuring live music, a Justin Bieber dance tutorial and a Storm After Party at the Pit Pub.
The UBC Men's Ironman Champion, who named himself and his team G-baby, spoke highly of the spirit and energy at Storm the Wall this year and that winning, “feels like I'm in a dream right now, but it's happening. It feels good.”
G-baby will join the likes of teams such as #RCLyfe, To Infinite and Beyoncé, Sassy Science Sistas, 2KOOL4SCHOOL, Ain't No Wallaback Girl and plenty more as champions of 2016.