NEW YORK (Oct. 8, 2025) – The Empire State Building (ESB) hosted the 47^th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up, presented by NYU Langone Health and powered by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). In several designated heats, more than 200 runners from across the world raced up the building’s 1,576 stairs to reach the finish line on the iconic 86^th Floor Observatory.

“The Empire State Building Run-Up at New York City’s number one rated attraction, is a bucket list event and a significant achievement for athletes of all levels from around the globe,” said Tony Malkin, chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust. “We congratulate all who participated in this extraordinary test of endurance.”

Fabio Ruga of San Siro, Italy took first place in the Men’s Elite heat with a time of 10:47, just before Wai Ching Soh of Kuala Lumpur in second place, and Ching Chun Lo of Taoyuan City, FL in third.

“I have run seven times in the past. Three times I took third, but this year, I’ve won” said Ruga. “I’m very happy and I will be back next year.”

Shari Klarfeld of Plainview, NY placed first in the Women’s Elite heat with a time of 14:07, ahead of Tsz Yau Li of Hong Kong in second and Kamila Chomanicova of Bratislava in third.

“I have done this race since 2010, so this [win] is very surreal to me,” said Klarfeld. “I am very excited and so happy to be here.”

Other heats in the race included Empire State Realty Trust tenants, members of the media, and brokers from leading real estate firms.

As presenting sponsor for the first time, NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system - with seven inpatient locations and more than 320 outpatient locations - that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation.

CAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increased access to sports and physical activity for people of all ages with permanent physical disabilities. CAF returned as the ESBRU’s official charity partner with a designated division that included athletes with permanent physical disabilities and CAF supporters who raised funds to empower lives through sport.

In the evening, the Empire State Building shined its world-famous tower lights in a purple sparkle to celebrate the 47^th annual Run-Up.

Hi-res imagery and video can be downloaded here. More information about the Empire State Building Run-Up can be found online.

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