The Empire State Building Run-Up is an annual foot race from the ground level to the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building. This event has been held annually since 1978. The race covers a vertical distance of 1,050 feet (320 m) and takes in 1,576 steps. Race participants are referred to both as runners and as climbers. The record time is 9 minutes and 33 seconds, achieved by Australian professional cyclist Paul Crake in 2003.
The Empire State Building Run-Up is the most famous stair race and, according to the organizers, the New York Road Runners (NYRR), oldest of its kind. The race involves climbing the 1,576 steps of the Empire State Building to the ground floor to the Observation Deck. The average time of this race is approximately 10 minutes. The race involves several waves of runners starting at varying times. There are 1576 stairs to climb, beginning in the building’s lobby up to the finish line on the 86th floor. The altitude difference is 303m.
The Empire State Building Run is an invitational race, with selections based on athletic ability and background. Participants in the event come from all over the world. Each year, the event receives participants from countries that include Austria, Australia, Germany and many other countries. Because of the narrowness of the stairwell, there is a limit on the amount of participants that can participate in this event. Competitors must be 18 years of age or older on race day to participate. There is no prize money.
The Empire State Building is the one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. Although no longer the tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building remains one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world. You can learn more about the Empire State Building here.
