Step Up for MSWA - powered by ALTRAD 2022

We were thrilled to finally have the opportunity to freely travel to Perth and participate in the Step Up for MSWA - Powered by Altrad Stair Challenge. The event not only provided an exciting physical challenge but also aimed to raise awareness and funds for neurological conditions. With over 1,100 participants eagerly awaiting the start, including renowned international Towerrunning athletes Serene Cheong and Charles Supapodok, the atmosphere was electric and filled with anticipation.

The Elite Field:

The elite field of participants, consisting of athletes like Serene, Charles, Arthanavan Selvanathan, Anthony Sciano, and Colin Ottaway, showcased their incredible skills and determination. Despite a minor hiccup that required a restart, the race commenced with enthusiasm from the crowd. Anthony Sciano once again secured the title in the men's category, completing the challenging 1,103 stairs in an impressive time of 6 minutes and 42 seconds. Serene Cheong made history as the first International Towerrunner to win the women's category, finishing in 7 minutes and 16 seconds. Special recognition also goes to Arthanavan Selvanathan, representing Stair Climbing Australia, who achieved a commendable time of 8 minutes and 53 seconds.

The Multi Climbs:

After the exhilarating start by the elite field, it was time for the multi climbs. Participants such as Kaye Robinson, Trevor Ryan, Steve Bentley, and Maria Pia Piemontese, representing various regions of Australia, took on the challenge. Kaye Robinson, a Perth resident participating for the fifth year, accomplished an outstanding personal best by completing five ascents. Trevor Ryan surprised everyone, overcoming a foot injury, and completed four climbs despite his initial uncertainty. Inspired by the participants with neurological conditions, Maria decided to do four multi climbs instead of her planned two. Steve Bentley demonstrated his exceptional skills and claimed the fastest male Double Up challenge, completing the climbs in an impressive time of 15 minutes and 9 seconds.

The Extreme Multi Climb:

In the extreme multi climb, also known as the "CRAZY" challenge, Colin Ottaway and Charles Supapodok showcased unparalleled determination and endurance. Both athletes completed a remarkable 18 climbs, with Colin achieving a total time of 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 16 seconds, closely followed by Charles with a time of 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 21 seconds. Their dedication and perseverance were truly awe-inspiring.

Impressions and Appreciation:

As part of the Stair Climbing Australia (SCA) contingent, we felt immensely proud of our contribution to the event. Throughout the lead-up to the challenge, we actively engaged with MSWA Events' social media, providing valuable content and advice to the stair climbing community. We were fortunate to witness the event's exceptional organization, supported by passionate and enthusiastic volunteers who went above and beyond to make Step Up for MSWA - Powered by Altrad a resounding success. Our sincere congratulations go out to MSWA Events for their outstanding efforts.

The 2022 Step Up for MSWA - Powered by Altrad Stair Challenge in Perth was an unforgettable experience. It brought together athletes from different parts of the world and inspired participants to push their limits while supporting a noble cause. With its unique stairwell design and well-organized setup, this event stood out among others. As we bid farewell to an extraordinary year, we eagerly anticipate the next edition of the challenge in 2023, confident that it will bring even more excitement, achievements, and opportunities for making a positive impact.