The 2026 Empire State Building Run-Up

Run-Up on Oct 6th at 8 PM

Lottery Opens on June 22nd

2026 Run-Up OVERVIEW

The Empire State Building Run-Up, Presented by NYU Langone Health and Powered by MERRELL is produced by Super Race Systems. 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 Observation Deck 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.

An Art Deco Icon

NYU Langone Health

Race the Iconic Empire State Building—for a Purpose

NYU Langone Health is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Empire State Building Run-Up—and we’re excited to offer exclusive entries to this legendary event.

At NYU Langone, we’re committed to helping people live their healthiest, most fulfilled lives. As one of the largest academic health systems in the Northeast—with seven inpatient facilities and more than 320 locations across the New York City area and in Florida—we unite a vibrant community of patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and supporters.Lace up. Run up. Make an impact—with NYU Langone Health.

MERRELL

As the global leader in outdoor active footwear with the Moab hiking boot and Jungle Moc, Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling, and comfort to empower all people to explore the outdoors confidently. The brand was named Footwear News' 2022 Brand of the Year for promoting a more diverse vision of the outdoors. Visit Merrell.com or follow on social @Merrell.

NYU Langone Health

Race the Iconic Empire State Building—for a Purpose

NYU Langone Health is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Empire State Building Run-Up—and we’re excited to offer exclusive entries to this legendary event.

MERRELL

By the numbers

Quick facts about the Empire State Building Run Up 2025 that was held on August 10th

1,576
Total steps climbed in the race up to the 86th Floor Observation Deck
1,050
feet Total distance climbed (≈1/5 of a mile vertically)
7
Most race victories in Men’s Invitationals, held by Thomas Dold of Germany (2006–11)
9:33
Men’s course record, set by Paul Crake of Australia in 2003
10
Most race victories in Women’s Invitationals, held by Suzy Walsham of Australia (2007–09, 2013–19)
11:23
Women’s course record, set by Andrea Mayr of Austria in 2006