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Sky's the limit for stair runner

Thursday, 9 February 2012

The towering Empire State Building poses a tough challenge for runners in the annual race to the top(AP)

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A German runner has scored a record seventh straight win in an annual race up 86 flights of stairs at the Empire State Building.

Thomas Dold completed the Empire State Building Run-Up in 10 minutes and 28 seconds.

Dold, 27, who completed his last three races in 10 minutes and 10 seconds or less, said he did not know why the finish was "so exhausting" this year because he is "really fit".

Melissa Moon, of Wellington, New Zealand, was the women's winner in 12 minutes and 39 seconds. The 42-year-old also won the race in 2010.

"You can't start too fast too soon in a race like this," Moon said. "I knew I had it when I got to the 70th floor and I could no longer hear them breathing behind me."

Athletes from around the world took part in the gruelling trek from the lobby to the observation deck, floor by floor, up 1,576 steps.

About 650 people registered for this year's race.