Vertical Adrenaline at the Empire State Building

The Empire State Run-Up has been an annual tradition since 1978. Every year, runners race up the 1,576 stairs to the 86th floor. Some never make it others stumble, trip, and fall but brush themselves off and continue the climb. The record time of 9 minutes and 33 seconds was set in 2003. 2010 marks the 33rd year of competition and even the die hard marathoners agree that this is their favorite race.



This is the oldest runner in the race: 76 year old Ginette Biddard, originally from France but now living in Long Island. She refuses to rock away the years and instead rushed across the finish line in under 23 minutes. Her own son, half her age, also competed in the race. He didn't even come close to Mom's record. Biddard was being interviewed by television media stations and newspapers.



The first place winner in the mens category was defending champion, 25 year old Thomas Dold from Germany. This is his fifth straight win. He pushed hard to beat the record but finished in 10:16. Dold is recognized as the world leader in stair climbing. Right after this photo was taken he dropped to his knees in utter exhaustion and delirium.



When the runners leave the dry and hot stairwell they race around the corner of the observation deck at breakneck speed. The wind and air gives them that extra boost to the finish line. A mob of journalists are waiting to break their fall.