2025 River to Rooftop Stair Challenge Brisbane
2025 River to Rooftop – Climbing for a Cause
On Thursday 21st August 2025, Brisbane once again hosted the River to Rooftop Stair Climb at the striking One One One Eagle Street tower. Almost 500 climbers took on the challenge of scaling 1,040 stairs across 55 floors, raising over $90,000 (with sponsorships still rolling in!) for the Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ).
This event is more than just a stair race. It’s about community, courage, and climbing for something greater. WLSQ provides free legal and social support services to women and children affected by domestic and family violence. With one in four Australian women experiencing domestic violence, their work is vital in helping women create safety and stability for themselves and their families. Every dollar raised at River to Rooftop helps ensure more women have access to the protection and support they need.
Elite Results
Competition was fierce at the front of the pack, with some impressive times on the stairs:
Men’s Elite
🥇 Mark Bourne – 5:06
🥈 Steve Bentley – 6:46
🥉 Kenny Barnett – 7:16Women’s Elite
🥇 Erin Kuhl – 9:26
🥈 Vanisha Vasudivan – 9:31Multi-Climb
🥇 Marcus Burgess – 7 climbs (winner on time)
🥈 John DuBoulay – 7 climbs
👏 A special shoutout goes to SCA newcomer Jorja Hitchens, who made her debut in style by completing 5 climbs.
Voices from the Rooftop
“The atmosphere was electric” – Peter Moore
For many, River to Rooftop was about more than the climb itself – it was the energy of the whole day.
“The atmosphere was electric. Everyone from event organisers, volunteers to the people in the sponsorship stands were so friendly and encouraging. It was such a warm and inviting event. Cannot wait for 2026!”
Peter’s words echoed what so many climbers felt – that this wasn’t just a physical challenge, but a welcoming, community-driven event.
Lyndell Murray – fundraising, friendships, and the rooftop view
For Lyndell, River to Rooftop is a sentimental favourite.
“River 2 Rooftop was the first tower running event I ever did, and it’s my home event in Brisbane. I love it!”
She described the climb itself with enthusiasm:
“There was a water station about every 10 floors with volunteers cheering us on. At the finish line, the recovery area had plenty of food, drinks, and really nice medals. And the view – looking out across the Story Bridge and Brisbane River – was spectacular.”
But what mattered most was the fundraising.
“My main goal was to raise money for WLSQ. I organised an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt with friends before the event and proudly raised over $1,000! I admire the work WLSQ does in helping women create stability for themselves and their children after domestic violence.”
For Lyndell, the highlight wasn’t just reaching the top:
“Catching up with the SCA tribe is always a highlight. I also had a really nice chat with a woman in the finish area who was doing her first stair climb after seeing ads on social media. Hopefully, I’ll see her at another event in the future!”
Scott Beveridge – from climber to volunteer
Scott had planned to climb but was forced to adjust due to injury. Instead of stepping aside, he stepped up as a volunteer.
“I wanted to climb to get back into it, but injury meant I had to change plans and volunteer instead. My goal was to give my time to WLSQ, and I achieved that.”
Despite the rain, he found the atmosphere uplifting:
“When I first arrived, it was wet, cold, and I wished I was still in bed! But the volunteers were happy, welcoming, and full of information. It made me feel warm despite the miserable weather.”
Scott also discovered how powerful the sense of community was:
“My standout moment was catching up with familiar faces in the stair climbing community and meeting new members. I reminded people it doesn’t matter if you walk, run, or crawl to the top – it’s all about the charity and the awareness.”
Steve Bentley – the challenge of the stairs
Our SCA Vice President and Men’s Elite runner-up, Steve Bentley, spoke about how the event tested him both physically and mentally:
“I like having goals in life, so events give me something to train for and look forward to. The start and finish areas had a great vibe, with sponsor stalls, charity volunteers, and terrific food and drinks thanks to the sponsors.”
But the climb itself was no easy feat:
“It was tough. Similar number of steps to Sydney but 7 or 8 more floors – the numbers messed with my head and my legs. I was spent at the top and a few seconds slower than before, but that’s the challenge I love.”
And even though the weather didn’t play along, Steve couldn’t help but smile:
“We seem to attract the rain. First a wet Sydney, now a wet Brisbane. Hopefully, Surfers Paradise isn’t too wet as no one will want to host us anymore!”
Stair Climbing Australia on the Stairs
The event was also a showcase for the strength and spirit of the Stair Climbing Australia (SCA) community, with members proudly taking on the challenge:
Steve Bentley
Marcus Burgess
John DuBoulay
Bert Eldridge
Erin Kuhl
Jorja Hitchens
Lyndell Murray
Renee Burgess
Benji Burgess
Kevin Thompson
Peter Moore
German Matamala
From elite podium finishes, to grinding out multiple climbs, to fundraising milestones, to first-time efforts – our SCA family embodied what River to Rooftop is all about: determination, support, and community.
Family, Friendship and Firsts
One of the most powerful parts of River to Rooftop is how it brings people together, families, friends, colleagues, and complete strangers who unite on the stairs. These events often spark warm connections, shared goals, and unforgettable memories.
This year, we saw a special moment for Kevin Thompson, one of SCA’s most passionate and devoted members, whose brother joined him for his very first stair climb. To share the challenge side by side not only created a family memory they’ll never forget, but also highlighted how events like River to Rooftop encourage new people to give stair climbing a try.
Moments like this remind us that River to Rooftop isn’t only about times, medals, or fundraising totals – it’s about the people we climb alongside, the support we feel, and the bonds that grow stronger with every step.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
The 2025 River to Rooftop wasn’t just about chasing personal bests – it was about climbing with purpose. Every stair conquered was a step toward helping women and children escape domestic violence and rebuild safer futures.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Women’s Legal Service Queensland, the River to Rooftop team, the incredible volunteers, and the generous sponsors who made this event possible.
To every climber, donor, cheer squad member, and volunteer – thank you. Together, we proved that when a community comes together, amazing things can be achieved.
See you on the rooftop in 2026!
