The Empire State Building hosted its 46th annual Run-Up, a gruelling race to the top of the world-famous skyscraper. More than 650 runners from around the globe took part, tackling 1,576 stairs to reach the finish line on the iconic 86th-floor observatory.
The event, presented by Starbucks and powered by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), is widely regarded as one of the toughest stair races in the world and continues to attract athletes of all levels. Tony Malkin, Chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, hailed the event as a true test of endurance.
“The race to the top of the Empire State Building, the world’s number one rated attraction, is a bucket list event and a significant achievement for athletes of all levels from around the globe,” Malkin said. “We congratulate all who participated in this ultimate test of endurance.”
In the Men’s Elite race, Japan’s Ryoji Watanabe clinched victory, reaching the top in just 10 minutes and 34 seconds. Watanabe edged out Malaysia’s Wai Ching Soh, who finished second, and Italy’s Fabio Ruga, who came third.
Reflecting on his win, Watanabe said: “This course was very hard, but I wanted to win. I made it happen, and I’m very happy.”
The Women’s Elite race saw Germany’s Monica Carl claim first place with a time of 13 minutes and 30 seconds. Carl, who had long aspired to win the race, beat Japan’s Yuko Tateishi, who took second place, and fellow German Verena Schmitz, who came third.
Carl was thrilled by her achievement, saying, “This is the oldest stair run, and the Empire State Building is my favourite tower. It was a big, big dream to win this race, and now it’s come true.”
The event featured a variety of other heats, including participants from Empire State Building tenants, media members, and real estate brokers. The race is a key part of New York’s sporting calendar and draws competitors from across the world.
For the first time, Seattle-based coffee giant Starbucks served as the presenting sponsor. The Empire State Building is home to Starbucks Reserve®, its newest flagship store, which spans three floors and covers 23,000 square feet.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) returned as the event’s official charity partner. The organisation, which works to increase access to sport for people with permanent physical disabilities, fielded a division that included disabled athletes as well as supporters who raised funds to promote inclusivity in sports.
To mark the occasion, the Empire State Building was illuminated in green in the evening, celebrating the endurance of the runners and the success of the event. The race continues to stand as a unique challenge for stair racers from across the globe, offering them the chance to ascend one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
More information about the race and its history can be found on the Empire State Building’s official website, where videos and high-resolution imagery of the event are also available.