How long did Peak's parents' ascent of El Capitan take in record time?

• A. 32:43
• B. 12 hours
• C. 2 days
• D. 8 hours

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is what “record time” means in climbing terms. A record time is the fastest known ascent of a route up El Capitan under the conditions set by the climb, and it showcases extraordinary speed and skill.

Peak’s parents are described as achieving a remarkable sprint to the top, finishing in 32 minutes and 43 seconds. That short duration signals an extraordinary feat on such a massive vertical cliff, highlighting their elite climbing ability and the legendary status of their family in the climbing world. It’s this striking, record-setting pace that makes that moment stand out in the story and helps explain why Peak looks up to them and feels pressure to live up to their reputation.

The other time options would be far more typical for a climb of El Capitan and wouldn’t convey the sense of a record-breaking speed. So the 32 minutes 43 seconds is the best fit for what the passage describes.