OVERVIEW
The Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU)—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. While visitors can reach the building’s Observatory via elevator in under one minute, the fastest runners have covered the 86 floors by foot in about 10 minutes. Leaders in the sport of professional tower-running converge at the Empire State Building in what some consider the ultimate test of endurance.
2025 Run-Up Date: October 8th at 8 PM
Lottery Open Date: July 1st
This is your chance to race the iconic 2025 Empire State Building Run-Up for a purpose! Join Team CAF to get race perks, meet our athletes and raise funds to empower athletes with physical disabilities through sports. Experience this bucket list event and make a difference in the lives of others!
Returning as the official charity of the Run-Up is the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). As a world leader in helping people with physical challenges lead active and healthy lifestyles, CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
Participants in the race include the Men’s and Women’s Elite Heats, media, celebrities and New York City real estate brokers. Challenged Athletes Foundation, members of the NYPD & FDNY, and lottery winners also compete.
The runners in the CAF heat fundraise to help raise awareness and much-needed donations so people with permanent physical challenges gain access to adaptive sports equipment, athletic training, an active lifestyle, community and mentorship. A number of challenged athletes from across the country will race up the 1,576 steps and 86 floors.
The Empire State Building Run-Up is powered by the Challenged Athletes Foundation and produced by Super Race Systems.
For questions or general inquiries about the race, please contact the ESB Run Up Events team at events@esrtreit.com.
