Hundreds climb Melbourne’s tallest tower for a cause

Monday 29 April, 2024.

Southbank's Australia 108 building was completed in 2020 and it is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere from floor to ceiling.

More than 600 runners raced up the steps of Melbourne’s tallest building on Sunday, raising money for people with autism.

In the second ever Australia 108 Stair Challenge, participants climbed the 1700 steps to the 96th floor of the 100 storey Southbank skyscraper, Australia 108. The event raised over $160,000 for Giant Steps, an organisation that provides support for children and adults with autism.

Event organiser Steve Corrie says the run raises money for an issue close to his heart. “My eldest son has autism, so I am keen to assist in an area that I know is of high need. We have raised over $9 million now for numerous organisations through various Australian sporting events.”

Tower running may seem like a fun novelty, but it’s also a serious competition. This event is part of the Tower Running World Tour. It has served as the Australian Championships since last year when it took over from the Eureka Tower Stair Climb. Mr Corrie says that organising the world class event is no walk in the park “It takes months and co-ordination of multiple stakeholders… If you get it wrong on event day, you may kill the event’s chances the next year.”

The run was won by former world champion and 9-time Eureka Stair Climb winner, Canberran Mark Bourne who made it to the 96th floor in just nine minutes and six seconds, climbing more than 10 floors per minute. Mr Bourne fell just short of last year’s winner and record holder, Japan’s Ryoji Watanabe who got to the top in eight minutes and 41 seconds. Josie Riseley was the first female to the top this year, coming in at fifth place overall with a time of 11 minutes and 50 seconds.

Impressed onlooker Anna enjoys the stair climber machine at the gym but says that’s nothing compared to the efforts of the athletes at this event. “They must have insane quad muscles… I’m surprised by how many people have shown up, it seems like a great event.”

The Australia 108 building was completed in 2020 and it is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere from floor to ceiling. It is the second tallest building by total height in Australia, eclipsed by the Gold Coast’s Q1 Tower which has an 88-metre spire on top. Australia 108 consists of 100 floors, plus an additional one underground. The run only goes to the 97th floor because the 98 and 99th floors consist of a mechanical plant, and the entire 100th floor is a private penthouse.