Facts, figures and fantasy

From New York's Empire State Building to the world tallest skyscraper. A round-up of facts, figures and fantasy:

Over the last few years, racing up the steps and stairs of the world's major skyscrapers has become increasingly popular on an international scale and has given birth to a new breed of athlete whose amazing record-breaking performances leave us breathless wherever they go.

New York's Empire State Building is probably the world's most famous skyscraper. The art deco structure, inaugurated in 1931, is 381 meters tall with 102 flights of stairs. The view from the observatory on the 86th floor over Manhattan is nothing less than breathtaking. For more than 30 years the city has paid homage to its famous landmark with the Empire State Building Run-Up                       �.

Taipei Tower 101 Run-Up is the race up what is currently the world's tallest building. One-O-One as it is affectionately called, refers to the tower's 101 floors with a grueling 2,046 steps.

In Europe, the trend is catching on and races are springing up in capital cities from Berlin to Barcelona, Vienna, London.

The Pirelli Building in Milan is Italy's tallest building and seat of the Lombardy Region. Since 2007, the immensely successful Vertical Sprint has been held in this historic building designed by Giò Ponti in 1956. The 127 meters, 31 floors and 710 steps were run in 2008 in record time by German vertical running champion Thomas Dold in a mere 3 minutes 30 seconds.
An invitation to Milan's citizens to ascend the building met with great enthusiasm and over 3,000 people, young and old, climbed to the 31st floor at their own pace. It is here that scientific research on Vertical Running has been carried out.

Films, fact and fantasy
For 30 years, the world's most famous skyscraper, the Empire State Building in New York, has held a race up the 86 flights to the observatory. Many films have been inspired by this skyscraper and others, from the 1933 King Kong and the more recent, 95 version, to Towering Inferno, Entrapment and Spider Man.

Don't let's forget the real Spider Man, Frenchman Alain Roberts, who for years (illegally) climbs these magnificent structures ...on the outside!

Skyscrapers continue to fascinate and now, a selection of the best skyscraper races are united in a Vertical World Circuit.