Presented by NYU Langone Health and Powered by Merrell  

Lottery Open Through July 20 

New York (July 7, 2026) -- The Empire State Building Observation Deck (ESB), atop the “World’s Most Famous Building,” today announced that general lottery registration is open for this year's Empire State Building Observation Deck Run-Up (ESBRU), which will run through July 20, 2026. The annual race, presented by NYU Langone Health and ​powered​ by Merrell, will take place on Oct. 6, 2026, at 8 p.m.

This year’s race marks the 48th anniversary of the event, in which 225 runners will race up 1,576 stairs of the iconic New York City landmark to reach the world-famous 86th Floor Observation Deck.

“Every year, the Empire State Building Observation Deck Run-Up is a remarkable feat for all who participate as they race up to Tripadvisor's #1 top attraction in the U.S.,” said Tony Malkin, chairman and CEO of the Empire State Realty Trust. “We are excited to welcome this year’s runners from around the globe to compete in the world’s preeminent tower race.”

The lottery drawing will take place on July 21, and entrants will be notified of their race status thereafter. Selected runners will be required to pay a $175 participation fee upon acceptance. Past races have included participants from the media, celebrities, ESRT tenants, athletes, New York City real estate brokers, members of the NYPD and FDNY, and the general public.

NYU Langone Health, presenting sponsor of the Empire State Building Observation Deck Run-Up for the second consecutive year, 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.

Supporting sponsor for this year's Empire State Building Observatory Deck Run-Up, Merrell is a global leader in the modern outdoors, with a footwear and apparel portfolio that spans hike, trail run, and lifestyle. Earlier this year, Merrell launched It Starts Outside – its first-ever global brand platform – that invites people to experience the clarity, connection, and momentum that starts the moment they step outside. Through its Outside in NYC programming, Merrell will bring that vision to life through community experiences throughout 2026, including the Empire State Building Observatory Deck Run-Up.

The 2026 ESBRU is produced by Super Race Systems.

More information about the Empire State Building Observatory Deck Run-Up and the official lottery entry can be found online.  

Hi-res imagery and video from previous years can be downloaded here.