St. Petersburg Runner Excels in Stair Climbing Races
St. Petersburg athlete Troy Alston shows how stair climbing offers a durable, low-impact pivot for injured track runners.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Running
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St. Petersburg runner Troy Alston has established himself as a dominant force in stair climbing, setting 50 course records across 149 races between 2011 and 2026. Alston transitioned to the sport following track injuries, eventually securing three Atlas World Records.
Why it matters
Alston's career illustrates how athletes can adapt to new, low-impact disciplines after sustaining injuries in traditional track sports. His transition highlights a path for runners to maintain high-intensity cardiovascular conditioning while managing long-term physical health.
Alston has completed 149 stair-climbing races, setting 50 course records and holding three Atlas World Records. This career span represents a long-term progression in vertical racing, though the specific biological adaptation to the intensity of these climbs remains a subject for further study.
The players
Troy Alston
A St. Petersburg-based runner and stair-climbing athlete who holds three Atlas World Records.
American Lung Association
A health organization that hosts stair-climbing events, for which Alston has completed 80 climbs.
The details
Alston shifted to stair climbing after enduring three hamstring injuries during his senior track season. He maintains his performance levels by training in office stairwells and parking garages to mimic race conditions. His commitment is evidenced by 27,000 miles of driving to reach various venues, including the Skylon Tower where he set a world record for the fastest ascent in 2017.
Timeline
1978: The first Empire State Building stair-climbing race was held.
2011-2026: Troy Alston completed 149 stair-climbing races.
2017: Alston set a world record for the fastest ascent at the Skylon Tower.
Health Landscape
Stair climbing has evolved from the 1978 Empire State Building race into a structured discipline for endurance athletes. Alston's career reflects the growing focus on vertical racing as a viable alternative for runners seeking to maintain cardiovascular health after injury.
Transitioning to stair climbing can offer a high-intensity workout that is often more accessible to those recovering from track-related injuries. Before adopting such a high-intensity routine, it is worth discussing your specific injury history and cardiovascular goals with a physician.
The takeaway
Alston's record-setting career highlights the viability of stair climbing for injury-prone athletes looking to sustain long-term fitness. To assess if high-intensity vertical training is appropriate for your own health, consult a sports medicine specialist about your current joint and hamstring stability.
Further reading
For more on endurance training and competitive athletic events, explore Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 13.
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