Runners Conquered Empire State Building Run-Up
Over 200 athletes raced up 1,576 stairs to the 86th floor in the 48th annual event.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Running
The 48th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up saw more than 200 competitors tackle the skyscraper's stairs on October 7, 2026. Runners ascended 1,576 steps to reach the observation deck in Midtown Manhattan.
Why it matters
This iconic race serves as a premier challenge in the sport of tower running, testing the endurance and speed of elite athletes from around the world. The event also highlights the enduring status of the Empire State Building as a major athletic and cultural landmark in New York City.
Ryoji Watanabe secured the Men's Elite victory with a time of 11:18, while Annemarie Wilhelm won the Women's Elite heat in 13:32. These times represent the benchmark for performance across the 1,576-step course during this 48th annual edition.
The players
Ryoji Watanabe
He is the athlete who placed first in the Men's Elite heat of the 2026 tower running event.
Annemarie Wilhelm
She is the athlete who placed first in the Women's Elite heat of the 2026 tower running event.
Empire State Building
It is an Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan that functions as both a tourist destination and a site for this annual athletic competition.
The details
Athletes competed in designated heats to navigate the stairs leading to the 86th floor observation deck. Following the race, the building illuminated its exterior lights in a distinctive purple sparkle to mark the occasion.
Timeline
The 48th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up took place on October 7, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This race remains the premier event in the tower running circuit, attracting top-tier specialists who spend the season targeting specific skyscraper events. The results in New York City solidify the seasonal standings for these professional stair climbers as they navigate the international circuit.
The victory times of 11:18 and 13:32 establish new benchmarks for participants looking to qualify for future professional tower running competitions. Competitive runners can use these performance metrics to gauge their own speed capabilities relative to the world's elite climbers.
The takeaway
Tower running requires significant aerobic capacity and leg strength to navigate hundreds of flights of stairs quickly. Aspiring participants can improve their performance by incorporating high-intensity interval training on stair machines or local stadium bleachers.
Further reading
For more on the local race scene, check out our coverage on Running.
More information
For more details on the building, visit Empire State Building tickets and info.
