St. Petersburg Stair Climber Sets Atlas World Records
St. Petersburg resident Troy Alston has built a career in stair-climbing after transitioning from track.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Running
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St. Petersburg local Troy Alston holds three Atlas World Records and has completed 149 stair-climbing races between 2011 and 2026. His career includes 50 course records and 14 consecutive wins at the Jacksonville Fight for Air Climb.
Why it matters
Alston turned to the niche sport of competitive stair climbing following three hamstring injuries during his senior year of track. He has since become a dominant force, completing 80 climbs specifically for the American Lung Association.
Alston has secured 70 total stair-climbing victories throughout Florida and drove 27,000 miles to reach race locations. His accolades include three Atlas World Records and a record-setting ascent at the Skylon Tower in 2017.
The players
Troy Alston
A St. Petersburg resident and record-holding competitive stair climber.
American Lung Association
A non-profit organization focused on lung health that hosts stair-climbing fundraising events.
The details
Alston prepares for grueling vertical courses by training in parking garages and office stairwells. He established his presence in the sport through sheer volume, competing in events ranging from his first 25-floor climb to the 86-story Empire State Building race.
Timeline
The first Empire State Building stair-climbing race was held in 1978.
Troy Alston completed 149 stair-climbing races between 2011 and 2026.
Alston set a world record at the Skylon Tower in 2017.
Season Trajectory
Alston's accomplishments reflect the evolution of stair climbing from a niche challenge into an organized endurance discipline. This trajectory highlights how specialized athletes now dominate the circuit once popularized by the first Empire State Building stair-climbing race.
Aspiring athletes in Florida can track Alston's performance metrics as a benchmark for vertical endurance racing. His history of 70 state victories serves as the primary target for competitors in the local climbing circuit.
The takeaway
Alston proves that a dedicated training regimen in accessible urban spaces like parking garages can lead to elite athletic performance. Consistent participation in charity-focused climbing events remains the primary entry point for those looking to replicate his success.
Further reading
For more news on local athletic endurance milestones, visit the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 13.
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