Presented by MyFitnessPal Powered by the Challenged Athletes Foundation

OVERVIEW

The Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU)—the world’s first and most famous tower race—challenges runners from near and far to race up its famed 86 flights—1,576 stairs. While visitors can reach the building’s Observatory via elevator in under one minute, the fastest runners have covered the 86 floors by foot in about 10 minutes. Leaders in the sport of professional tower-running converge at the Empire State Building in what some consider the ultimate test of endurance. 

 

2023 Run-Up Date: October 4th at 8 PM

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Elite Heat Sign Up

 

Check out a first-person view of the Empire State Building Run Up!

 

 

 

Running
MyFitnessPal

Known as the #1 nutrition and food tracking app highly recommended by fitness experts, coaches, registered dietitians, and nutritionists, MyFitnessPal is the proud presenting sponsor of the 2023 ESBRU. Just like the annual Empire State Building Run Up, MyFitnessPal meets members and athletes exactly where they are, while supporting and motivating towards your goals. 

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Challenged Athletes Foundation

This is your chance to race the iconic 2023 Empire State Building Run-Up for a purpose! Join Team CAF to get race perks, meet our athletes and raise funds to empower athletes with physical disabilities through sports. Experience this bucket list event and make a difference in the lives of others!

Challenged Athlete Completes Empire State Building Run-Up

Returning as the official charity of the Run-Up is the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). As a world leader in helping people with physical challenges lead active and healthy lifestyles, CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. 

Participants in the race include the Men’s and Women’s Elite Heats, media, celebrities and New York City real estate brokers. MyFitnessPal, Challenged Athletes Foundation, members of the NYPD & FDNY, and lottery winners also compete.

The runners in the CAF heat fundraise to help raise awareness and much-needed donations so people with permanent physical challenges gain access to adaptive sports equipment, athletic training, an active lifestyle, community and mentorship. A number of challenged athletes from across the country will race up the 1,576 steps and 86 floors.

The Empire State Building Run-Up Presented by MyFitnessPal is powered by the Challenged Athletes Foundation and produced by Super Race Systems.

For questions or general inquiries about the race, please contact the ESB Run Up Events team at events@esrtreit.com. 

QUICK FACTS

10/04/23

Date of 2023 Empire State Building Run Up

1,576 Steps

Total steps climbed in the race up to the 86th Floor Observation Deck

1,050 Feet

Total distance climbed in the race (approximately one-fifth of a mile vertically)

7

Most race victories in Men’s Invitationals, held by Thomas Dold of Germany (2006–11)

9:33

Men’s course record, set by Paul Crake of Australia in 2003

10

Most race victories in Women’s Invitationals, held by Suzy Walsham of Australia (2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)

11:23

Women’s course record, set by Andrea Mayr of Austria in 2006

Run-Up Partners