Rialto Run Uo 2025

Rialto Run-Up 2025: A Towering Return After 20 Years

“Let’s count them down from 10…”

After two decades, the Rialto Tower roared back to life with a stair climbing event like no other. The long-awaited return of the Rialto Run-Up electrified the heart of Melbourne, rekindling the spirit of Australia’s first-ever stair climb and welcoming a new era of challenge, community, and cause.

This wasn’t just a race — it was a moment of history. Over 500 climbers conquered 1,240 grueling steps, raising more than $174,000 for Giant Steps Melbourne, a charity doing life-changing work with children and adults on the autism spectrum.

The Pulse of the Climb: Power, Passion, Purpose

The Rialto Run-Up came back with thunder — literally. A mass start, music pumping, applause echoing — and a sprint into the stairwell. The elite male and female climbers launched into a 40-metre dash before tackling the twisting vertical labyrinth inside one of Melbourne’s most iconic towers.

It was fierce. It was fast. It was unforgettable.

Josie Riseley stormed home in first place for the women, clocking 9:45 and then backing it up with a jaw-dropping 12 ascents — cementing her lead in the national rankings and setting a new standard for stair endurance.

The men’s division was equally explosive, with Mark Bourne claiming victory in 7.03.

A Sea of SCA Strength

The Stair Climbing Australia community showed up in force — not just to climb, but to conquer. These weren’t just participants. They were stair warriors.

Congratulations to the many climbers who took on multiple ascents — including:

  • Josie Riseley x1 2

  • John DuBoulay x 9

  • Vivienne Napoletano x 8

  • Peter Norman x 7

  • Catherine Bombardieri x 7

  • Grayson O’connor x 5

  • Janet Goodwin x5

  • Alison Hill x5

  • Robert Ross x 5

  • Margaret Butera x 5

  • Lyndall Murray x5

  • Maria Pia x4

  • Kevin Thompson x4

  • Stacey Peatling x 3

  • Jenny Maric x 3

  • Heather Watson x 3

  • Evelyn Firstenberg x 2

  • Marcus Burgess x 2

  • Benji Burgess x 1

  • Frank Cervi x1

  • Bert Eldredge x 1

  • Natalie Brindle x 1 (kit)

  • Peter Moore x 1

One of the day’s proudest moments came from young Benji Burgess, who tackled the tower alongside his father, elite climber Marcus Burgess, showing that courage and grit know no age.

Climbing With Ember in Our Hearts

Every step we took this year carried a memory. Ember, our beloved four-legged mascot and motivator, passed away in May. Her quiet strength and boundless love were felt at every climb she attended. In tribute, her owner Natalie climbed the tower in full firefighter gear — a powerful honour to the dog who brought us all comfort and smiles. We wore Ember badges on our shirts, but she’ll forever be in our hearts.

New Chapter, Same Icon

The 2025 Rialto Run-Up marked a first for SCA at this building — and what a debut it was. We owe enormous thanks to Steve Corrie of Stair Challenge Australia, whose tireless effort made this event possible on a tight timeline. And to the volunteers — what legends. With endless energy, smiles, and support, they lifted everyone who came through that door.

Adam Ryan: A Full-Circle Climb

For Adam Ryan, returning to Rialto wasn't just a race — it was a return to where his stair climbing story began 20 years ago.

“It was my first ever stair climb and the beginning of a long and exciting journey. I've always wanted to return. I was very excited and curious to climb it again.”

Back then, stair climbing was a high-stakes sport:

“There was a lot more hype around the elites. The winner scored flights, accommodation, and entry to the Empire State Building Run-Up in New York.”

But this time, Adam’s biggest prize wasn’t a medal — it was a moment:

“Lining up with my son and watching his determined little face climb was incredible.”

He reflected on how far the sport — and his own mindset — has come:

“The competitive drive isn’t what it used to be, but the joy and reward of completing the climb? That’s exactly the same. Now it’s about participation, inclusion, and community — and I love that.”

His mantra?

“When I’m hurting, I think about Paul Crake, and how much he would love to be in my shoes. That gratitude keeps me going.”

Adam’s advice for first-timers:
“Two steps at a time. Don’t go out too fast. And take in the view when you reach the top — you’ve earned it.”

A Towering Legacy Reborn

Rialto 2025 wasn’t just about looking back — it was about building what comes next. This event reminded us of where stair climbing in Australia began. And now, with a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive community than ever, we’re writing the next chapter together.

Here’s to those who climbed, those who cheered, those who donated — and to the tower that brought us all back together.

Stair Climbing Australia