Like the “63 Building Stair Climb” that began in 1995, the “Vertical Marathon,” or “Towerrunning,” is an extraordinary sport in which participants conquer the tallest skyscrapers in cities using only their legs. It has gained global popularity.
Towerrunning serves two roles: a fierce record competition for elite athletes where milliseconds count, and a massive charity event where tens of thousands join to give back. Let’s explore some of the most notable vertical marathons in the world.
1. Elite World-Class Races (Focused on Record Competition)
These are the most prestigious and iconic events, where the world’s top athletes compete for ranking points.
◆ Empire State Building Run-Up
Location: New York, USA / Empire State Building
Course: 1,576 steps (to the 86th-floor observatory)
Feature: Started in 1978, this is the longest-running and most prestigious race of its kind. Due to the fierce competition in narrow stairways, it is mainly open to invited elite athletes. Winning here is considered the highest honor for a tower runner.
◆ Taipei 101 Run Up
Location: Taipei, Taiwan / Taipei 101
Course: 2,046 steps (91 floors)
Feature: Since 2005, this has been Asia’s premier international event and has hosted the World Towerrunning Championships. Known for its long straight staircases that produce very fast times, it attracts the world’s best athletes every year.
◆ La Verticale de la Tour Eiffel
Location: Paris, France / Eiffel Tower
Course: 1,665 steps (to the summit)
Feature: A unique and symbolic race up the Eiffel Tower’s steel structure. It is run as an individual time trial with limited participants, making it highly exclusive.
◆ KL Tower International Towerthon
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / KL Tower
Course: 2,058 steps
Feature: Southeast Asia’s leading race, combining elite athletes and thousands of amateurs in a festival-like atmosphere.
2. Large-Scale Public & Charity Races (Focused on Participation and Giving)
These events prioritize social value through mass participation rather than record-breaking.
◆ CN Tower Climb
Location: Toronto, Canada / CN Tower
Course: 1,776 steps
Feature: The world’s largest charity climb, organized by major NGOs like WWF-Canada. Tens of thousands join annually to raise funds for wildlife protection, focusing on participation and fundraising rather than competition.
◆ SkyRise Chicago
Location: Chicago, USA / Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
Course: ~2,100 steps (103 floors)
Feature: A large charity event supporting local rehabilitation centers. Participants include amateurs, elite athletes, and firefighters.
◆ Fight For Air Climb
Location: Across the USA (e.g., STRAT Tower in Las Vegas)
Feature: Part of the American Lung Association’s nationwide fundraising for lung disease research. Events are held in skyscrapers across the country, sometimes in relay format.
3. How Are World Rankings Determined?
These races are connected into a global circuit by international bodies such as the Towerrunning World Association (TWA), which designates major events as World Cups or Masters Races. Athletes earn ranking points at each event, and the totals determine the year-end champion and final standings.
※ Notes
Difficulty: The number of steps isn’t the only factor — width, steepness, presence of landings, and ventilation all affect difficulty.
Entry Types: Elite events require invitation or qualification, while charity events are usually open to anyone who pays the entry fee.
Safety: Climbing tall buildings puts strain on the cardiovascular system, so health checks and strict safety regulations are enforced.
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