Step Up For MS Perth

The first race for the year is the Step Up For MS in Perth.

Where: Central Park Tower, Perth

When: Sunday 21 April 2013

Distance: 53 Floors, 1096 Stairs

Stairwell: The stairwell runs clockwise with 1 flight per floor and a small landing halfway on each. There are handrails on both sides.

Record: 5.25mins by Paul Crake (Building record)
6.04mins by Darren Wilson (MS Step Up record)

Charity: The Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA

Website: www.stepupforms.org.au

2012 Race Review

The numbers are in and this years Step Up For MS was the most successful to date! An incredible 831 participants raised a record $154,864 to help people living with MS. A great achievement for Jenny and the rest of her MS Society crew.

The morning started with quite heavy rain which we thought might dampen the mood and effect the atmosphere but thankfully the familiar Perth sun made its way through and the event progressed with its usual flair. Improvements on last year’s race included the professional cleaning of the stairwell and more doors open inside the well for better ventilation which proved a big success as the respiratory effects many people encountered in previous races was significantly reduced. The slight alteration to the entrance of the stairwell at the race start also meant a much cleaner and safer run.

Stair Climbing Australia also had its largest number of participants and most successful finishes with 4 climbers in total making the trip over and 3 of those taking out the top 3 places. Darren Wilson took first place in a Step Up for MS Race record time of 6mins 4secs with second place going to Chris Price in 7mins 18secs and third to Tim McNeill in 7mins 42secs. The fastest female climber went to Tania Herbert in 9mins 10secs and a special mention to our own Kylie Obst who made the trip over to Perth with her mum, finishing 8th in her category and 14th in the overall female category in a time of 10mins 45secs!

Excluding Darren’s record time, and not taking anything away from the other top 20 finishers, the times overall where slower than last year which can probably be put down to unfortunately not having the top 5 finishers in the last two years competing. Our own Adam Ryan is out with injury and Neil Berry and his team mates focused on their track events which unfortunately clashed. Despite this their where many PB times recorded and we met some first timers who really impressed with no specific training that if prepare for next year have the potential to really push for a place.

The trip to Perth is always a fun one and we enjoy competing in this special race. The participants, whether serious, or there for a good cause and a challenge provide a memorable day and as always we look forward to next year.