Empire State Building Run-Up New York, NY   Oct 8, 2025

The Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU) is the marquee tower race in the world. Once a year, the 94-year-old Empire State Building shuts down its elevators and opens its stairwell for the iconic Empire State Building Run-Up. The Run-Up — the world’s first and most famous tower race – challenges runners from near and far to race up its famed 86 flights – 1,576 stairs.

Thousands of climbers from around the world will enter the lottery, vying for a chance to race up the Empire State Building’s famed 86 flights and 1,576 stairs. While visitors can reach the building’s Observatory via elevator in under a minute, the fastest runners cover the 86 floors in about 10 minutes.

Climbers may also gain entry by fundraising for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. The mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life.