At the 24-hour climbing marathon organized by the Alliance for Disadvantaged Young Athletes, the two-time Olympic champion climbed the 100 most difficult routes in Slovenia's largest climbing hall.
In order to raise funds for financially disadvantaged young athletes, Janja Garnbret and her sponsor, the insurance provider Allianz, to a special charity event. Around 2.200 climbing enthusiasts and fans from 23 countries followed her: During the 24-hour climbing marathon in Slovenia's largest climbing hall in Slovenska Bistrica, all climbed routes and boulders count towards a large donation pot. The two-time Olympic champion Garnbret describes the event as “one of the most emotional and powerful moments” of her career.
Climbing for 24 hours was exhausting, but filled me with so much positive energy.
Janja Garnbret
More than 60.000 euros raised for young athletes
The unique event combines competition, charity, and entertainment over a 24-hour period. Janja Garnbret set herself the goal of topping the 100 hardest routes in the hall – good training for her second appearance of the season at the Lead World Cup in Copper next weekend.
The final result of the climbing marathon: donations totaling more than 60.000 euros from around 2.000 routes climbed and almost 5.000 boulder climbs. Two-time Olympic champion Garnbret also achieved her personal goal – her last two routes were broadcast live on Slovenian television.
This sport has given me so much – being able to give something back, together with so many others, is unforgettable.
Janja Garnbret
This isn't Garnbret's first appearance at a charity event. Since the end of 2024, the 26-year-old has been collecting donations for disadvantaged children in Slovenian sports as the "Patron of Sports" for a year. She follows in the footsteps of other prominent athletes, including NBA star Goran Dragić, skier Tina Maze, and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. The final donation amount will be announced at the Olympic Gala on November 5th.
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Credits Cover Image: Grega Valancic Photography