River to Rooftop Stair Challenge 2023
River to Rooftop Stair Challenge 2023: Scaling Heights for a Noble Cause
Date: Friday, 28th July 2023
Location: One One One Eagle Street, Brisbane, Australia
Event morning
In the early hours of a crisp winter morning, the picturesque city of Brisbane came alive with excitement and determination as over 300 participants gathered at One One One Eagle Street to take part in the highly anticipated River to Rooftop Stair Challenge 2023. Participants were enthusiastic about ascending 1040 steps / 55 floors. The event aimed not only to push physical boundaries but also to raise funds and awareness for Women's Legal Service Queensland, supporting women and children escaping domestic violence.
As the sun began to rise, participants from all walks of life geared up for the exhilarating stair climb, with many taking on the challenge for the first time, alongside experienced and regular stair climbers. The event brought together a diverse group of people, united by a common cause - to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
The race began with the elite and multi climbers setting off first. These experienced athletes wasted no time, displaying impressive feats of speed and endurance. The stairs of Eagle Street, known for their steepness, provided a short yet intense challenge for all climbers who willingly embraced the challenge.
Achievements
John Bourne completed the climb in a breathtaking 6 minutes and 3 seconds, just shy of the record taking first place in the men’s elite category. Taking the women’s first place in the elite category in an impressive 8 minutes 20 seconds was Katie Dall. Congratulations on your achievment.
A memorable highlight during the event came in the form of a light-hearted moment when it was discovered that the bib designated for the "fastest female" had inadvertently been worn by a male runner. The organisers swiftly rectified the situation, ensuring that the rightful winner received recognition for her impressive time of 8 minutes and 20 seconds.
A special mention to amputee Carl Gustafson who took part in the stair climb. Carl has been eagerly waiting for his new sports leg however, it wasn’t what he had expected. Instead of throwing in the towel, Carl adapted his existing prosthetics and climbed the 55 floors!. Carl indeed embodies resilience and determination. Congratulations Carl!
SCA representation
At the River to Rooftop Stair Challenge, camaraderie was palpable in the air. Stair Climbing Australia members proudly displayed their colors, reinforcing the community's tight-knit bond. The atmosphere was filled with encouragement as participants pushed each other to reach new heights. This spirit of togetherness made the event even more special and motivating for everyone involved.
In the men's elite category, Steve Bentley, the SCA Vice President, delivered an exceptional performance, securing the third position. His determination and grit were evident as he finished a mere 6 seconds away from the second place.
The ever humble Cody James came fifth in the men’s elite category in an impressive time of 7 minutes 01 seconds.
One of the great moments of the event was witnessing Peter Norman's triumphant return to competitive Towerrunning after an injury. His determination and dedication to overcome challenges shone through as he clinched the top spot in the individual category, completing the ascent in an impressive time of 8 minutes and 12 seconds.
John DuBoulay, the quiet achiever of the group, became the talk of the event by scaling the stairwell an incredible 11 times. His extraordinary feat earned him a well-deserved trophy for the most climbs. His perseverance and tenacity earned him the nickname 'Energiser John,' and he became an inspiration for many aspiring climbers.
The event not only celebrated experienced climbers but also welcomed the youngest member of the group, Benji Burgess in 14 minutes 50 seconds. The spotlight shone on this enthusiastic young climber as he fearlessly took on the challenge. Benji's infectious enthusiasm and cheers for his father, Marcus, who secured a commendable fourth place, 8 minutes 02 seconds in the elite category. .
A Stepping Stone for Change:
The tremendous success of the River to Rooftop Stair Challenge 2023 cannot be overstated. Through the collective efforts of participants, sponsors, and organizers, over $100,000 was raised for Women's Legal Service Queensland. This substantial contribution will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the organisation's ability to provide support, legal aid, and resources to those in need.
The River to Rooftop Stair Challenge 2023 showcased the remarkable power of unity, compassion, and determination. Beyond the physical feat of conquering the stairs, the participants' unwavering dedication to supporting survivors of domestic violence made this event truly exceptional. By raising substantial funds for Women's Legal Service Queensland, the challenge took a bold step towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for vulnerable members of the community. Let this event serve as an inspiration for future endeavors, as we continue to unite and empower change for those in need. Together, we can build a world where compassion triumphs over adversity, and no one feels alone in their journey to find safety and healing.
The volunteers
The journey to the rooftop was also filled with heartwarming moments and camaraderie. The enthusiastic warm-up routines before the early starters took off added to the electric vibe of the event. Throughout the climb, the volunteers provided much-needed water and continuous encouragement, offering support on multiple levels - both physical and emotional. Their dedication made the event run smoothly, leaving participants with nothing but gratitude for their help.
As participants returned to their homes and visitors bid farewell to beautiful Brisbane, the impact of this stair climb would continue to resonate, leaving behind a legacy of hope and change for women and children in vulnerable situations. The memories of this extraordinary event would remain etched in the hearts of all those who took part, reminding them that when a community comes together, they can scale any heights and conquer any challenge, one step at a time.
