The 18th Edition of the Subida Vertical Stair Climb - Spain: A Recap

On April 27th, 2024, the 18th edition of the Subida Vertical Stair Climb returned to the Gran Hotel Bali, located in the charming Bay town of Benidorm, Spain. This iconic event, held in the tallest Hotel Tower on the European Continent, attracted 500 athletes from 52 countries, with tickets selling out a month prior. The challenge? Scale 924 steps across 52 floors.

The day commenced with a remarkable display as 116 firefighters, clad in full 30-kilogram equipment, embarked on the climb, cheered on by hotel guests and spectators lining the corridors and entrances.

In the "Open Category," representing Australia with pride, Janet Goodwin showcased her vertical prowess amidst a diverse field of competitors. Breaking from tradition, elite climbers ascended at the end of proceedings, showcasing their skills in order of rankings. Among them, Andrew Gage from the UK and Arty (Arthavan Selvanthan) from Australia proudly represented the stair climbing community.

While no new course records were set this year, the competition witnessed impressive performances from all 500 participants. Fabio Rugo and Valentina Belotti, both from Italy, clinched the winners' trophies in their respective categories.

Despite her absence from this year's event, Suzy Walsham's dominance in the Women's Division continues, with her record time of 5 minutes and 31 seconds remaining unchallenged since 2019.

The sport of stair climbing is steadily gaining momentum, with more events being added to the World Circuit each year. Up next on the calendar is the "Taipei 101," featuring a daunting 2046 steps across 91 floors. Stair Climbing Australia, in collaboration with the Towerrunning World Association, proudly supports two athletes representing Australia: Mark Bourne and Amber Thompson. We wish them the best of luck for a successful journey and commend them for making our nation proud on the global stage.

Content credit to Janet Goodwin