Rialto Run Up 2026
🇦🇺 Stair Climbing Australia Shines at the Rialto Run Up 💚💛
Sunday 22nd March 2026 delivered an unforgettable day of community, challenge and purpose as Stair Climbing Australia members came together for the iconic Rialto Run Up in support of Giant Steps.
With perfect weather greeting participants, the day brought sunshine and energy, although it was warmer than we are typically used to for a Melbourne stair climbing event. Temperatures reached 27°C, adding an extra challenge for climbers tackling the stairs. Despite the heat, performances across the board were outstanding, highlighting the resilience and determination of the stair climbing community. ☀️💪
💙 Climbing for a Cause
The heart of the day was the incredible support shown for Giant Steps. Together, participants helped raise an outstanding $154,637.45 to date. These funds will support vital programs and services, making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with autism and their families.
This event continues to demonstrate the power of stair climbing to bring people together for something bigger than the climb itself.
🇦🇺 A Sea of Green and Gold
Stair Climbing Australia had a huge presence throughout the event. From the base to the finish, members supported one another with encouragement, cheers and shared determination.
It was incredibly emotional seeing a sea of green and gold filling the stairwell. The sense of unity, pride and camaraderie was unmistakable. Whether climbing once or multiple times, everyone contributed to an atmosphere that was warm, welcoming and inspiring.
🙌 A Huge Thank You to Steve Corrie
Events like this do not happen without exceptional organisation, and a huge rap must go to Steve Corrie from Stair Challenge Australia.
Steve’s work is truly second to none. From the clear and detailed pre event information through to the seamless event day organisation, every aspect was handled with professionalism and care. Arrival, check in, wave management, and overall flow all ran smoothly, allowing participants to focus purely on their climb and the experience.
What stood out most was how effortlessly the entire event appeared to run. Behind the scenes is an enormous amount of planning and coordination, yet Steve made it look like a walk in the park. His commitment to delivering high quality stair climbing events continues to elevate the sport and provide memorable experiences for all involved. 👏
🏙️ Thank You to Rialto Towers
A huge thank you to the team at Rialto Towers for allowing this incredible event to take place. The attention to detail helped create a truly memorable experience from start to finish.
The lighting throughout the venue added to the atmosphere, and the blue carpet at both the start and finish line gave the event a special, premium feel. These touches elevated the experience for every participant and made the day feel even more significant.
Level 54 provided the perfect finish. Comfortable chairs positioned along the full length windows allowed climbers to recover while taking in the stunning views of beautiful Melbourne. It was a moment to reflect, celebrate and share the achievement with others.
And of course, the “I LOVE RIALTO” sign was a standout feature. It quickly became a favourite photo spot, with many participants capturing epic finish line memories. 📸✨
🍽️ Extra Touches That Made the Day
The post climb breakfast at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto was an added bonus and very much appreciated. It provided the perfect opportunity for climbers to refuel, relax and share stories from the stairwell. A big thank you to the team for their hospitality.
It was also fantastic to be able to access professional event photos free of charge. These images captured the determination, smiles and emotion of the day and gave everyone lasting memories to share. 📸
🏆 Outstanding Performances
The competition at the front of the field was strong, with impressive times recorded despite the warm conditions.
Men’s Category
🥇 Ian Best – 7 min 46
🥈 Adam Ryan – 8 min 35
🥉 Jackson Bentley – 9 min 05
Women’s Category
🥇 Mikaela Bentley – 8 min 44
🥈 Josie Riley – 9 min 42
🥉 Anna OMara -10 min 37
🔥 Multi-Climb Magic
One of the most inspiring aspects of the day was the incredible multi climb effort from Stair Climbing Australia members. Many athletes pushed well beyond their original goals, showing extraordinary endurance and heart. The stairwell was filled with encouragement as climbers kept returning for “just one more”.
👏 Multi-Climb Standouts
Josie Riseley – 12 climbs
Tony Eid – 11 climbs
Trevor Porter - 10 climbs
Vivienne Napolitano – 10 climbs
Edward Manktelow – 10 climbs
John DuBoulay – 10 climbs
Leah Morley - 9 climbs
Catherine Bombardieri – 9 climbs
Marcus Welsh – 8 climbs
Erin Khul – 8 climbs
Jorja Hotchens – 7 climbs
Steve Downey – 6 climbs
Janet Goodwin – 6 climbs
Alison Hill – 6 climbs
Robert Ross – 6 climbs
Margaret Butera – 6 climbs
Peter Walsh – 6 climbs
Grayson O'Connor – 5 climbs
Stacey Peatling – 4 climbs
Evelyn Firstenberg – 4 climbs
Heather Watson – 4 climbs
Ruby Rhodes – 2 climbs
Maria Pia Piemontese – 2 climbs
💚 More Than a Race
What stood out most on the day was not just the results, but the spirit of the Stair Climbing Australia community. Encouragement in the stairwell, cheers at the finish, and smiles between climbs captured everything that makes this sport so special.
The Rialto Run Up once again showed that stair climbing is about more than speed. It is about heart, resilience, and supporting each other while making a meaningful difference.
A huge congratulations to everyone who climbed, volunteered, supported and fundraised. The Stair Climbing Australia community should be incredibly proud of the impact made for Giant Steps.
We are already looking forward to doing it all again next year. 👟🏢💛
