The Empire State Building Run-Up: Racing to New Heights

via www.timeout.com

Every year, hundreds of runners from around the world gather in New York City for one of the most unique and grueling endurance challenges in sports—the Empire State Building Run-Up. As the world’s first and most prestigious tower race, this event pushes athletes to their physical and mental limits as they ascend the iconic skyscraper’s 86 flights and 1,576 stairs. On October 8, 2025, the Empire State Building will once again host this extraordinary race, drawing elite athletes and brave participants eager to conquer one of the most demanding vertical races on the planet.

A Historic Challenge in an Iconic Landmark

The Empire State Building Run-Up began in 1978, making it the pioneer event in the growing sport of tower running. Since then, it has evolved into a globally recognized race that attracts top athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday runners, all vying to test themselves against the ultimate vertical challenge.

Runners start in the building’s lobby and race upward to the 86th-floor Observatory, a journey that covers nearly 1,050 feet (320 meters) of vertical elevation. While visitors can glide to the top via elevator in under a minute, the fastest runners complete the ascent in about 10 minutes, transforming what seems like an impossible task into a showcase of human endurance.

The Ultimate Test of Endurance

Climbing 86 flights of stairs is not just a test of physical strength—it’s a grueling challenge of stamina, pacing, and mental toughness. The Empire State Building Run-Up is often described as a sprint that feels like a marathon. The stairwell is narrow and unforgiving, with tight corners and steep climbs that require runners to balance speed and strategy.

Elite tower runners have perfected the art of efficient stair climbing—using handrails to pull themselves upward, managing their breathing, and pacing themselves to avoid exhaustion. For most participants, however, simply finishing the climb is a victory in itself.

Elite Competition Meets Everyday Determination

The Run-Up attracts a diverse field of participants, from professional athletes to celebrities, charity runners, and fitness enthusiasts. Many elite competitors specialize in tower running, a sport that has gained international popularity with races in some of the world's tallest buildings, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

Past champions like Paul Crake of Australia, who holds the men’s record of 9 minutes and 33 seconds, and Andrea Mayr of Austria, the women’s record holder at 11 minutes and 23 seconds, have set a high bar for competitors. These records stand as monumental achievements in endurance sports.

However, the race is not just for elites. Many participants run in support of charities, personal milestones, or simply for the thrill of challenging one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Why the Empire State Building Run-Up Stands Out

• Historic Significance: As the world’s first organized tower race, the event holds a special place in sports history.

• Iconic Location: Few races offer the chance to compete inside one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

• Global Prestige: It attracts elite athletes from around the globe, making it the pinnacle event in tower running.

• Pure Challenge: The physical and mental demands make it one of the toughest and most rewarding races for endurance athletes.