Although there are many stair races held throughout the world, there are four which consistently draw the attention of the best in the world. Loosely dubbed ‘The Big Four’, each are held yearly with three in America and one in Taiwan.
For a comprehensive list of all the stair climbs in the world check out this site – TowerRunning.com
The details of each of ‘The Big Four’ races are shown below.
Race 5: Empire State Building Run Up
Where: Empire State Building, New York, USA
When: February 2014 (37th Annual)
Distance: 86 Floors, 1,576 steps
Stairwell: Clockwise, Two flights per floor with an extended landing between each floor, Concrete steps, Handrails on both sides.
Record: Paul Crake: 9:33 (2003), Andrea Mayr: 11:23 (2006)
Charity: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
Race 6: Standard Chartered Taipei 101 Run Up
Where: Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
When: 5th May 2013
Distance: 91 floors, 2046 steps
Stairwell: Clockwise, Concrete stairs to begin with then metal stairs to finish, Handrails on both sides, two flights per floor.
Record: 10min 29secs by Unknown
Race 7: US Bank Tower Run Up
Where: US Bank Tower, Los Angeles, USA
When: Friday 27 September 2013
Distance: 75 floors, 1500 steps
Stairwell: Clockwise, Metal stairs with concrete landing, two flights per floor, Handrails on both sides.
Record: 9mins 32secs by Tim VanOrden
Charity: Ketchum Downtown YMCA
Race 8: SkyRise Chicago
Where: Willis Tower, Chicago, USA
When: November 2013
Distance: 2109 steps, 103 floors
Stairwell: Metal Steps, Anticlockwise, handrails on both sides.
Record: 13mins 3secs set in 2011 by Sproule Love
Charity: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
