Empire State Building Run-Up - Thirty-First Annual / Tuesday, February 5 / Empire State Building, New York City / Invitation only

Note: All applicants will be notified of their entry status on approximately January 14, 2008.

Want to step up to a challenge? Test yourself up 86 flights of stairs in the Empire State Building Run-up. A quick 1,576 steps will get you from the ground floor to the Observation Deck that looms nearly a quarter of a mile above Fifth Avenue. Please note that this is an invitational race, with invitations sent out based on athletic ability and background.

Media

Members of the media interested in covering the event – particularly photographers and camera crews – should RSVP to jaframe@rubenstein.com by January 30, as space is limited. Please include contact information, coverage plans, and any special requests. For all other event or interview requests, contact Sara Hunninghake at shunninghake@nyrr.org.

Course

The most famous skyscraper in the world, the Empire State Building was constructed on the site of the former Waldorf-Astoria hotel starting in 1930. "Opening Day" was celebrated on May 1, 1931.

Generally considered to be 102 stories high, the Empire State Building has 85 floors of commercial space, one flight to the Observation Deck, and a mooring mast structure that adds another 16 stories. In the Empire State Building Run-Up, participants climb 86 flights (1,576 steps) to finish on the Observation Deck. Although not the tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building remains highly esteemed for its power, majesty, and proportion.

Course Records

Paul Crake: 9:33 (2003)
Andrea Mayr: 11:23 (2006)

2007 Champions

Thomas Dold: 10:25
Suzy Walsham: 13:12

Entry Fee

$30 for all participants. (Make checks payable to New York Road Runners.) Souvenir t-shirts will be given to all entrants. Refreshments will be served following the race. NYRR patron and benefactor members are not exempt from this race fee.

How to Apply

Registration for the Empire State Building Run Up is now closed.

Note: This is an invitational race. All applicants will be screened for athletic ability and background. Chosen runners will receive their invitation by January 11, 2008.

Please Note

NYRR reserves the right to accept or reject entries as necessary to accommodate the narrowness of the stairwell. All applicants will be notified of their entry status on approximately January 11, 2008.

Competitors must be 18 years of age or older on race day to participate.

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Registration

All applicants will be notified of their entry status on approximately January 11, 2008.

Race Scoring

This is a scored race, but does not count toward the nine races NYRR members need to be eligible for guaranteed entry to the ING New York City Marathon. The race is timed using the ChampionChip® system. You must complete the race with your chip attached to your shoe or your time will not be recorded. Please follow the instructions in your race packet on attaching the chip to your shoe and then returning the chip following the race. Note that you will be charged $35 if you do not return the chip within 20 days.
[Scoring and results procedures]
[Purchasing a ChampionChip]

Baggage Facilities

Free baggage facilities will be provided as a convenience. If using this baggage service, bring an inexpensive bag and leave your valuables at home. New York Road Runners is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Rules of Competition

All NYRR races are organized and directed under USA Track & Field rules and regulations. Entrants must also comply with City of New York, Parks & Recreation and NYRR rules. Failure to do so may result in offenders being disqualified and possibly banned from NYRR events, including the ING New York City Marathon. [Click here for rules.]

Babystrollers / Babyjoggers are not permitted on the race course.