SCA Blog

At the Races

Step Up for MSWA - Powered by Altrad

June 20th 2022

How exciting it was to be able to freely travel to Perth to take part in the 2022 Step Up for MSWA - powered by Altrad Stair Challenge. A very cool morning greeted us as we went to collect race bibs and start warming up. Over 1100 participants eagerly awaited the start at the bottom of the Central Park Tower ready to take on 1103 stairs. Not only was this a physical challenge, it gave participants a chance to raise awareness and over $232,600 for Neurological conditions.

There was definitely a buzz in the air and excitement as for the first time, International Towerrunning athletes Serene Cheong and Charles Supapodok representing Towerrunning Singapore joined the event.

7am saw the start of the elite field including Serene, Charles and representing Stair Climbing Australia, the very humble Arthanavan Selvanathan along with last years winner Anthony Sciano and multi climber 2021 record holder Colin Ottaway. After a little hiccup, the race was restarted with cheering and much hype from the crowd. Off they went to see Anthony yet again hold the title by winning the men’s category in 6min.42 sec and Serene being the first International Towerrunner to win the women’s category in 7min.16 sec at this event. Congratulations Anthony and Serene. Congratulations to SCA’s Arthavan Selvanathan climbing in a respectable time of 8min 53sec.

After the initial excitement of the first waive of elites, we lined up for the first of the multi climbs. Representing SCA was Perth resident Kaye Robinson ( her 5th year participating in this event), along side Trevor Ryan from Brisbane, Steve Bentley from Geelong and Maria Pia Piemontese from Melbourne. This event is a mass start so once on the stairs, there is a bit of passing to be done but we found climbers respectful and making passing relatively simple.

Kaye completed 5 ascents managing a PB! Congrats Kaye!!!! Trevor surprised himself and the rest of us as 24 hours prior to climbing, Trevor was unsure he would be able to climb due to a foot injury. After X-rays showing nothing sinister and following professional advice, Trev was able to add his touch of humour to the morning and completed 4 climbs. Maria was unsure of how many climbs she would do deciding on minimum of 2 climbs however, getting caught up in the atmosphere and inspired by seeing participants with neurological conditions climb, she did 4 multi climbs. Steve Bentley as always the quiet achiever took out the fastest male Double Up challenge in an impressive 15:09. Congratulations Steve!

In the extreme multi climb which we also call ‘CRAZY’, we saw Colin Ottaway climb 18 times in a total time of 2:52:16 followed closely by Towerruning Singapore’s Charles Supapodok also completing 18 climbs 3:06:21! What an amazing effort!!!

We are proud of the SCA contingent who contributed not only on the day but throughout the lead up to the event by stepping up and providing content for MSWA Events social media. We are fortunate to have experienced and professional individuals able to give sound advice to the broader stair climbing community.

Our observations of this event:

This climb may be less stair count than others but don’t be fooled….it’s extremely challenging. This stairwell has a rail on both sides which is the only event in Australia to have this.

This event is well organised and we cannot speak more highly of the volunteers on the day. These vollies were passionate, enthusiastic and gave their all to make Step Up for MSWA - powered by Altrad one of the best events on the calendar. Congratulations to MSWA Events. Bring on 2023!!!

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