The annual race from the foyer to the observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York took place yesterday. Personally, I can't imagine why anyone would actually want to run up 1,576 steps, measuring 1,050 vertical feet: but to each his (or her) own, I guess!
A German, Thomas Dold of Stuttgart, won this year's event in a time of 10 minutes 7 seconds, a little faster than his previous personal best (this was his fourth consecutive win in the event) but still well outside the record of 9 minutes 33 seconds, set in 2003 by Australian sportsman Paul Crake.
There was drama in the womens race, when favorite Suzy Walsham, 35, of Australia (a two-time former winner) fell and was trampled during the start. She fell back to 20th position as the climb began, and was in considerable pain, according to the report from the race organizers. However, she rallied, passed all the other competitors, and won the womens race in a time of 13 minutes 27 seconds. Gutsy!
Dold fell to the ground in exhaustion after his win, but soon recovered. Walsham, on the other hand, also fell, but was too weak to get up again, particularly considering her injuries. Dold ended up carrying her to the podium, where they both received their medals. Nice touch!
Congratulations to all who attempted it, and particularly to those who made it. My legs are hurting just thinking about it!
A video report on the race is available here. Interesting viewing.
Peter
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