Mark Bourne, winner Sydney Tower Stair Challenge
Yet again Australians Suzy Walsham and Mark Bourne take the win at the Sydney Tower Stair Challenge, Sunday, August 23.
On the sixth leg of the Vertical World Circuit, the two champions, together with a record 1,200 competitors, raced up the tower’s 1,504 steps to the Observation Deck of the Sydney Tower Eye. Their time? 7’35” for Bourne and 8’27” for Walsham.
With three straight wins after Dubai, Manila and Sydney, Walsham rises to the second rung of the VWC ranking while Bourne is fifth.
The standing course records remain, set by Paul Crake in 6’52” (2002) and Suzy Walsham in 8’24” (2013).
The pair from Australia returned to compete in the most exciting year yet, with the event now officially part of the international Vertical World Circuit, which sees elite stair climbers travel the globe to compete in some of the most iconic skyscrapers. Besides the glory that comes with the win, they were both also awarded a trip to the Vertical World Circuit Grand Finale in Hong Kong on December 6 at the SHKP Vertical Run for Charity: Race to Hong Kong ICC.
From elite stair runners through to superhero themed walkers, the event saw participants climb 250 metres above the streets of Sydney to raise money for Giant Steps, a charity that provides support for children with Autism and their families.
Sydney Tower Stair Challenge women’s winner, Suzy Walsham
General Manager of the Sydney Tower Eye, Ian Wood, said the event was a running success and a great opportunity for the public to get behind a worthwhile cause.
“We feel privileged to be able to host such a unique charity event and it was amazing to see hundreds of Sydneysiders get involved and tackle all 1,504 steps up to the top of the Observation Deck of the Sydney Tower Eye,” said Mr Wood.
“Today has been a huge success and the burn of those steps is well worth it because not only are participants rewarded with a fantastic 360 degree view of Sydney at the end of the climb, but they are also helping raise money in the process for such an important charity like Giant Steps.”
The Vertical World Circuit now moves on to Beijing, where yet again, the world’s top vertical runners will join more than 600 runners in the China World Summit Wing Hotel Vertical Run on September 19.
Race results
Men
- Mark Bourne (AUS) – 7’35”
- Eric Hoi Chun Yeung (HKG) – 8’29”
- Martin Pedersen (DEN) – 9’25”
Women
- Suzanne Walsham – 8’27”
- Alice McNamara – 9’22”
- Meg Reeves – 9’36”
Vertical World Circuit ranking
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For further information Sydney Tower Stair Challenge: www.active8change.com.au
For more information on the Sydney Tower Eye: www.sydneytowereye.com.au