For those who don’t know, the Vertical Rush challenge is 42 floors comprised of 932 steps, with the aim of getting to the top as fast as possible. It’s the UK’s tallest tower-running challenge, organised every year by the housing and homelessness charity Shelter.
All of this takes place within Tower 42, just off Liverpool Street. To give you an idea of the type of hardcore runners that undertake this challenge, last year’s winner did it in 4m55s. This was out of an impressive 1,165 total entries.
You can also enter as a team of five, where your total time is pitted against rivals.
This year, for the first time in the history of Vertical Rush, Men’s Running will be taking on Women’s Running in a battle of the sexes.
The Men’s Running team will be comprised of three readers, Gordon Woodlands (83), Craig Sabin (54) and Chris Barker (43). Whilst the remaining places go to our very editor, David Castle, and assistant editor, Rick Pearson.
On Monday 19th, we held a training day at Tower 42 itself.
David spent the beginning part giving advice and useful tips, especially useful as he did the route in 6m10s last year!
The lads then went into the next room where Ann-Marie, a PT, took them through the correct warm up routine. She also divulged in everyday exercises which can be done at home to help improve fitness.
Then it was time for the training itself. Having secured floors 14 to 29, the gentlemen ran 15 floors to get a feel of what it’s like to run the actual race stairs.
After which, everyone made their way to the top floor to enjoy the impressive sights that Tower 42 had to offer.
The event will take place on 3rd March, with registration still available. See here.
