Alex Megos Puts Up Multiple 5.14 First Ascents in the Red River Gorge
He adds some hard lines to one of the best sandstone climbing areas in the world
German climber Alex Megos, 29, is currently on a trip visiting the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. Although he’s there to work on a harder, bigger project, his trip has already been quite eventful, reportedly making four 5.14 first ascents. A couple days ago he made the first ascent of Last Resort 5.14a. He apparently sent the route on his rest day after getting a massage.
Yesterday, he put up Suffocation 5.14c, a short desperate route originally bolted by John Weaver. Megos had this to say about his FA: “Delicate, yet powerful crux on small holds. Very short and bouldery. Felt like the Frankenjura (but sandstone).”
Alex Megos is one of the best climbers in the world. He competed in the Tokyo Olympics and has podiumed at World Cup events multiple times. He has made two 5.15c first ascents: Perfecto Mundo in 2018 and Bibliographie in 2020. He’s climbed numerous other 5.15’s and he was the first climber ever to onsight 5.14d (9a). You can watch his sends of Last Resort 5.14a and Suffocation 5.14c at the Red below.
Last Resort 5.14a FA
Suffocation 5.14c FA
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