MCG Stadium Stomp 2024
A Day of Triumph at the 10th Anniversary MCG Stadium Stomp
Sunday, June 3rd marked a significant milestone for the MCG Stadium Stomp as we celebrated its 10th anniversary. This iconic event brought together hundreds of enthusiastic climbers, offering a choice between a short course of 1,900 stairs and a gruelling full course of 7,300 stairs. If you weren’t there, let us take you on a journey through an unforgettable day.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
This year, the Stadium Stomp partnered with Monash Children's Hospital, raising funds for life-changing and life-saving treatments for paediatric health patients and their families. Participants also had the option to fundraise for their chosen charity, collectively raising over $50,000. Knowing that every step taken was for a noble cause added an extra layer of motivation and camaraderie among us.
The Excitement Begins
Imagine arriving at 7 am on a brisk Melbourne morning. The air was filled with anticipation as the first light of dawn peeked over the horizon. After breezing through security checks and collecting our bibs, we were greeted by cheerful volunteers who wished us luck with beaming smiles.
The Breathtaking MCG
As we made our way to the warm-up area, the sight of the MCG transitioning from dawn to daylight was nothing short of breathtaking. Standing there, taking it all in, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and excitement—a moment that truly cannot be captured in photos.
Warming Up
The starting area was alive with energy. The dynamic duo, Steve and Ellen from Active Beats, kept us entertained and motivated, soaking up the palpable enthusiasm of the event. Their lively presence made the warm-up sessions both fun and energising.
The Climb
At 7:45 am, the moment of truth arrived. We were off! Level 1, with its flat steps, required us to find our rhythm, but soon we were in sync. By 8 am, classic 80’s tunes filled the air, a nostalgic and fun distraction as we moved to Level 4.
Level 4 never fails to astound. After the relatively flat Level 1, it feels like scaling Mt. Everest. But with determination and grit, we pressed on, one step at a time. By the 5,000-stair mark, our quads and calves were screaming, but we refused to give in. Every participant’s resolve was a testament to the human spirit.
The short course
The short course of 1,900 stairs is an excellent way for juniors to start their stair climbing journey. It's challenging yet achievable, providing a perfect introduction to the sport and a sense of accomplishment that will inspire them to aim higher. It was wonderful to see so many kids enjoying the stairs!
The Finish Line
And then, the end was in sight. Descending the internal stairs, we made our way onto the boundary of the MCG. Running, jogging or walking to the finish line, we were greeted by cheers, congratulations, and a well-deserved medal. It was a triumphant moment, a culmination of effort, and sheer willpower.
Post-race, some opted for a massage to soothe their tired muscles, while others, a little stair-crazy, chose to tackle the course again! It was a sight to behold, showcasing the incredible endurance and passion within our community.
Celebrating Achievements
A special mention goes to SCA’s Josie Riseley, who not only was the first female to finish the full course but also completed five full climbs—an astounding feat!
Congratulations to the following SCA members:
Alison Hill - 2 climbs
Robert Ross - 1.5 climbs
Maria Pia Piemontese - 1.5 climbs
Jenny Maric
Ruby Rhodes
Heather Thompson
Jackson Bentley
Steve Bentley
Chris Lockley
Paul williams
Tim Wallace
Darren Goss
And for the last time, Ember our fur member who will be retiring from stair climbing this year.
Your achievements inspire everyone, highlighting what’s possible with determination and perseverance.
A Heartfelt Thanks
Congratulations to all who climbed, and a heartfelt thank you to the SCA members for proudly wearing the SCA logo and supporting others with encouragement. We are a community of thoughtful and kind individuals, always ready to welcome and motivate new members to the world of stair climbing.
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers who made this event possible. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and support were invaluable and helped make the day run smoothly.
A huge thank you to King Performance, the event organiser, for another well-run and successful event. Your hard work and meticulous planning ensured that everything went off without a hitch, allowing us to focus on the climb and the cause.
Until Next Year
As we celebrate this year's success, we look forward to continuing our journey. Keep climbing, and see you next year! If you haven’t joined us yet, now’s the perfect time to start. Let’s make every step count.
