Runners Conquered Empire State Building Stairs
Over 200 athletes raced up 1,576 steps to reach the 86th floor of this iconic New York City landmark.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Running
More than 200 runners gathered in Midtown Manhattan for the 48th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up. Elite athletes Ryoji Watanabe and Annemarie Wilhelm secured victories in this grueling vertical test.
Why it matters
Vertical running events challenge cardiovascular endurance and lower-body muscular stamina in a unique, high-intensity format. For participants in New York City, these races highlight the physical demands of high-stairwell climbing compared to traditional flat-ground running.
The 48th annual race involved over 200 competitors climbing 1,576 stairs to the 86th-floor observation deck. Official times were recorded at 11:18 for the Men's Elite winner and 13:32 for the Women's Elite winner.
The players
Ryoji Watanabe
The winner of the Men's Elite heat at the 2026 vertical race.
Annemarie Wilhelm
The winner of the Women's Elite heat at the 2026 vertical race.
The details
Vertical racing requires high anaerobic capacity as athletes ascend the 1,454-foot structure in designated heats. The race concludes at the building observation deck, which recently underwent a $165 million renovation. Runners must navigate the stairwell's steep incline, placing significant metabolic demand on the quadriceps and cardiovascular system.
Timeline
The 48th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up occurred on October 7, 2026.
Health Landscape
Vertical running represents an extreme subset of the sport that shifts the focus from distance efficiency to high-intensity vertical power output. This event sits within the broader landscape of specialized athletic challenges that utilize urban architecture to test human physiological limits.
Stair climbing is a highly efficient cardiovascular exercise that strengthens the lower body and improves heart health. If you are interested in high-intensity stair training, discuss the intensity level with your doctor to ensure your cardiovascular baseline is appropriate for such exertion.
The takeaway
Vertical racing demonstrates the immense power required to overcome gravity in an urban environment. To incorporate similar benefits into your life, consider adding stair-climbing sessions to your weekly routine, keeping the pace moderate and focusing on consistent form.
Further reading
For more on building endurance through unconventional training, visit Running.
More information
Find event details and future race announcements on the Empire State Building tickets and info website.
