Sea to Sky Q1 Stair Challenge
The Q1 Stair Challenge, held on March 19, 2023, brought together enthusiastic participants at Q1 in support of Livin, an organization dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. The event aimed to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. The day started early, with participants gathering at 5 am, feeling the warmth in the air, indicating a hot climb ahead. Ground zero served as the meeting point, where barriers directed participants to the start line. Livin volunteers were present at their tables for bib collection and last-minute registrations.
A notable addition to the event was the presence of Stair Climbing Australia (SCA), who set up a designated table outside the BWS. Despite the curious location outside the BWS, the table proved to be strategically placed, attracting attention and inquiries from passersby. Many were unaware of the global status of stair climbing and the existence of stair climbing events within Australia. SCA members took pleasure in educating people about the sport.
As the event progressed, the crowd grew in numbers, and at 6:45 am, the elites and multi climbers were called to the starting area. However, a few familiar faces were absent due to injury, including Mark Bourne and Suzy Walsham. Among the participants, Meg Reeves, the defending champion, was ready to race and was accompanied by her son Henry, who held the record for being the youngest participant automatically included in the elite category the previous year.
Women’s Podium
Meg Reeves once again claimed victory in the Women's Elite category, completing the climb in a time of 8 minutes and 53 seconds. SCA member Mikaela Bentley secured the second position with a time of 10:03, while Monica Medjumurac finished in third place with a time of 10:53.
Men’s Podium
In the Men's Elite category, Liam McKenzie, a newcomer, took first place with a time of 8:17. Young Henry Reeves followed closely in second place with a time of 8:57, continuing the family's success. SCA member Jackson Bentley finished third with a time of 9:02.
The Individual Runners
Individual category showcased potential future elite climbers for the 2024 event. The top three finishers in the Women's Individual Runners category were Sonia Heath (10:20), Jareth Quayle (11:19), and Sasha Mclean (11:29). In the Men's Individual Runners category, the top three finishers were Simon Harradence (9:01), Ryan Oleary-Allen (9:42), and Lochlan Perry (10:00).
SCA Achievment
SCA members achieved notable results in various categories. Steve Bentley secured the 5th place in the Men's Elite category with a time of 9:31, while Cody Pratt finished 6th with a time of 9:51. Ember Brindle claimed the 1st place in the Emergency Services category, completing the climb in 10:28. Marcus Burgess achieved the 10th position with a time of 11:17. Other SCA members, including Grayson O'Connor, Rod Unsworth, Janet Goodwin, Lyndell Murray, Trevor Ryan, Darren Goss, Frank Cervi, and Marina Whittle, also participated and showcased their dedication.
Multi Climbers
The event also recognized the efforts of multi climbers who completed multiple climbs. Kaye Robinson and Kevin Thompson completed two climbs each, while Maria Pia Piemontese achieved an impressive feat of completing four climbs. Alison Hill surpassed everyone with an astonishing seven climbs. Marcus Burgess also showcased his endurance by completing eight climbs.
Stair Climbing kids!
The presence of young climbers added to the event's charm, with Benji Burgess, a junior SCA member, receiving considerable attention and media coverage alongside his father, Marcus Burgess, for their involvement with The Stroke Foundation.
Parents climbing alongside their children created a heartwarming atmosphere, with the parents providing encouragement when the climb became challenging. The children reciprocated the support, making it a memorable experience for all.
The event witnessed the return of Brian Wilson, who carried baby Lachlan up the 77 flights of stairs. Lachlan was 209 days old, just like his sister Nicola, who Brian carried during a climb at Sydney Tower when she was 208 days old. Brian and Lachlan's climb garnered media attention and featured in the news report.
Our furry climber
Another remarkable participant was Ember, the furry step-sibling, who made headlines by embarking on the climb and leaving her human companion, Natalie, behind. Ember completed the climb in a time of 10:28.
Remarkable climbers
The event celebrated the exceptional achievements of two climbers, Shane Kerr, a double amputee, and Carl Gustafson, an amputee. Their determination and humility in completing the climb earned them well-deserved recognition and medals.
SCA's presence was evident and garnered media attention, as seen in the news report. SCA tops were prominently visible in the background, symbolizing the organization's pride and support for the cause.
LIVIN
The event's success extended beyond the physical challenge, as it surpassed its fundraising goal of $85,000 by raising over $105,000 for Livin. The organizers expressed their gratitude to all the donors and supporters who contributed to the cause.
Lastly, a heartfelt appreciation was extended to Steve Corrie and Stair Challenge Australia for organizing yet another enjoyable event. The focus now shifted to the upcoming Australia 108 Stair Challenge in Melbourne, generating excitement and anticipation among participants and supporters.
Overall, the Q1 Stair Challenge 2023 proved to be a successful and meaningful event, uniting participants, raising awareness for mental health, and supporting a worthy cause.
