With this style of climbing, an anchor point is established above the climbing route at a fixed point by either natural protection like trees or protection established by the climbers. From this fixed point, a rope is placed with one end going to the climber and the other to the belayer. As the climber ascends, the belayer takes the extra rope until the climber reaches the top of the climb. Then the belayer lowers the climber back to the starting position.
This route is one of the best I’ve ever climbed. It was a winding and difficult route spanning a doorway then climbing above it. It snaked back and forth like a river up the wall. I assumed from my initial look that it went straight up but as soon as I placed my hands on the starting point I realized why they call it Marathon. Thank you Metro Rock North for this gem!
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