Uniqueness is part of recROC's character and charm. It's that same uniqueness that allows recROC, a satellite facility of the Lititz recCenter, to stage special events like Boulder Bash.

More an event than a fundraiser, Boulder Bash's primary goal is to cater to the rock-climbing community and to introduce others to the activity. The event also addresses recROC and the Lititz recCenter's broader mission of getting people moving and keeping them moving.

"This is an event we're excited to spend our time and energy on," said Corey Pickel, Lititz recCenter's associate executive director. "It's time for the boulder community to shine. Bouldering may attract people who aren't necessarily attracted to organized sports. This is a community event, and participants have the support of everyone around them."

Located at 201 Rock Lititz Blvd., Suite 10, Lititz, recROC will conduct this year's Boulder Bash at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. Prizes will be awarded in four categories: advanced, intermediate, novice and youth.

Climbing competitors can register online at http://www.lititzrecroc.com or in person on the day of the event.

Spectators are welcome to attend, and an admission fee will be charged.

"For our area, it's definitely a unique event because there aren't many bouldering facilities here," said Pickel. "For Lititz and central Pennsylvania in general, it's fairly unique. This is something to offer the boulder community."

"We try to get everyone involved," Pickel continued. "There's a lot of cheering going on. We turn the music up louder and have fun. But we try to make it a great community event. Everyone can feel involved, even if you're a first-timer."

Boulder Bash climbing competitors are charged with the task of scaling a 15-foot-high indoor boulder wall. For 60 minutes, points are awarded for the difficulty of the climbs.

"Even though you're competing against other people, you're also competing against yourself," said Pickel. "It's about how many routes a competitor can accomplish in an hour. It requires mental endurance and strength endurance. It's like climbing a puzzle on a wall and putting moves together. It's really fun to watch. It's not a cut-throat competition. Even though people are competing, everyone is supportive. We want to make sure that everyone at any level can come in and have a good experience."

Nearly 100 competitors and more than 150 spectators are expected to attend the event. The athletes and their support people come from Lititz, other parts of Lancaster County, Reading, Philadelphia and even Maryland.

"The key to success is training at your craft and getting your hands conditioned," said Pickel. "It's about prioritizing your craft and spending time on the wall. It takes a lot of core strength, flexibility and finger strength. You need all of those to hang on to those holds."

Throughout the year, recROC and the Lititz recCenter also conduct special events like a golf outing at Iron Valley Golf Club in May, a triathlon in August, the Pretzel Twist 5K in September and the youth triathlon in October.

"When Rock Lititz was building their campus, they liked the idea of a gym facility, and they wanted something different," said Pickel of recROC's 2017 origin. "There was an interest from the live-events community, and it was an opportunity to introduce something different to the Lititz community. It's turned into a great training facility."

For additional information about recROC and the Lititz recCenter, go to http://www.lititzrec.com.