Defending Champions Dold, Walsham Return for NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up
More than 250 participants to climb 86 flights in iconic New York City building

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Posted Monday, 28 January, 2008

NEW YORK - (January 24, 2008) - Defending champions Thomas Dold of Germany and Suzy Walsham of Australia will attempt to return to the top of New York at the 31st annual NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up on Tuesday, February 5, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.

An expected field of 250 competitors from 23 states and 17 countries will race up 86 flights - 1,576 steps - to the outdoor observation deck of the world's most famous office building, and the tallest building in New York City. In 2007, Dold crossed the finish line in 10 minutes, 25 seconds, and Walsham finished in 13:12.

"This race is our version of the X Games, combining speed, endurance, strength, and fearlessness to race up one of the world's most famous landmarks," Wittenberg said. "That our defending champions will once again lead the charge proves the pain is worth the gain."

Dold, 23, will be seeking his third consecutive victory. Prior to winning in 2006 and 2007, he finished in second place by less than a second to Rudolf Reitberger of Austria in the 2005 race. Dold, who is studying economics at the University of Stuttgart, started in the sport in 2003 as a member of the German national mountain running team. He is as close to a professional tower climber as the sport has to offer, with a website, several sponsors, and a list of victories around the globe.

"This year, I am even more motivated than in previous years, because by achieving the third victory at the Empire State Building Run-Up, I can become the most successful European tower runner ever," said Dold, who trains regularly in the main tower of Helaba, a German bank in Frankfurt that is 200 meters high (1,090 steps). "During the race, it's very hard to push yourself constantly, so it is necessary to be very concentrated, especially the last part when your legs hurt awfully. The only thing that keeps you running is the thought of the finish line at the 86th floor and a fantastic view over New York!"

Walsham, 34, previously competed on the international scene as a middle distance track runner, finishing sixth in the mile and reaching the semifinals of the 800 meters at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Now semi-retired from the track, Walsham first became involved in stair races in 2006 when she learned that the Singapore Swissotel Vertical Marathon was awarding a trip to New York to compete in the NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up as first prize. She won that race and then repeated as champion in 2007. She recently finished second in the Taipei 101 Run-Up in November 2007. A native of Sydney, Walsham moved to Singapore in 2006 to work as an Australian chartered accountant in the finance group of global internet security company Symantec.

"I never expected to actually win the Empire State Building Run-Up in 2007," said Walsham, who is training for this race by climbing stairs in her 12-story condo in Singapore. "I really enjoyed the physical and mental challenge of the event and racing in such a famous building. It's a tough race, but so rewarding to get to the top. I am sure there will be more pressure and expectation on me this year, but I am more familiar with the event, and I hope to run faster."

Cindy Moll-Harris, 39, of Indianapolis, the only woman to have won the race four times (1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003), will be aiming for a fifth victory this year. She was the runner-up to Walsham in 2007. Additionally, 69-year-old Nina Kuscsik of New York City, a three-time winner in this race (1979-81) and a two-time New York City Marathon champion (1972-73), will compete.

Paul Crake of Australia set the course record of 9:33 in 2003, which was three minutes faster than Gary Muhrcke's winning time in the inaugural 1978 race (12:33). Tragically, Crake was paralyzed in a cycling accident in 2006.

For more information, visit: www.NYRR.org

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