Step Up for MSWA 2024

Step Up for MSWA Stair Challenge 2024: A Towering Success!

On Sunday, 23rd June 2024, Central Park Tower in Perth came alive with energy, music, and an incredible community spirit as hundreds of participants gathered for the annual Step Up for MSWA Stair Challenge. This fantastic event aimed to raise awareness and funds for Western Australians living with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, and it certainly delivered.

Event Highlights

The day started early with the Multiclimbers kicking off at 7 am, followed by the individual climbers at 8 am, and the emergency services shortly after. On the ground floor, participants were greeted by a vibrant cheer squad, a timing board, event information booths, face painting, a live video feed, and an enthusiastic MC, creating a party-like atmosphere.

  • 85+ volunteers

  • 102 teams

  • 790 participants

  • 53,026 flights of stairs climbed

  • 1,052,151 steps taken

  • Over $125,000 fundraised

Volunteers stationed on every second floor provided much-needed encouragement, ensuring everyone felt supported throughout their climb.

Mini Climb: 477 Stairs, 22 Flights

For those new to stair climbing or looking for a less intense challenge, the Mini Climb was perfect. This category featured 477 stairs, equivalent to 22 flights. It was an excellent opportunity for beginners to get a taste of stair climbing while still pushing their limits. Families, friends, and even children participated, making it a fun and inclusive experience.

Once Up: 948 Stairs, 48 Floors

The Once Up category was the main event, attracting many seasoned stair climbers and fitness enthusiasts. Climbing 1103 stairs over 51 floors was no small feat, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top was worth every step. Participants trained hard for this challenge, and their dedication was evident as they powered through to the summit.

Double Up and Multi Climb: The Ultimate Test

For those seeking an even greater challenge, the Double Up and Multi Climb categories offered the ultimate test of endurance and determination. The Double Up involved climbing the tower twice, while the Multi Climb allowed participants to push themselves to their absolute limits, climbing as many times as they could within the event's timeframe. These categories were not for the faint-hearted, showcasing the incredible strength and resilience of the participants.

Stellar Performances by SCA Participants

Stair Climbing Australia (SCA) was well-represented with some outstanding performances:

  • Steve Bentley dominated the Double Up category, coming first in his age category with a combined time of 13:53.

  • Peter Norman won his age category with an impressive time of 8:36.

  • Kaye Robinson completed 5 climbs with a combined time of 1:35:25.

  • John DuBoulay achieved an incredible 19 ascents in a total time of 3:45:14.

We were honored to welcome Malaysia’s world number 1, Wai Ching Soh, to Perth. Wai Ching entered the Multiclimb category, completing his first climb in a time of 5:20:60 and securing another first place. He went on to complete 16 climbs in 1:43:04.

Joining us from Towerrunning Malaysia, Jennifer Chan climbed in a time of 9:32:60, placing second in her age category. We truly appreciate the effort made by our international step siblings to cross the seas and join us.

Fun and Festivities

Apart from the fierce competition, there was plenty of fun and creativity on display. The dress-up category was particularly entertaining, with participants donning everything from budgie smugglers to Prue and Trude outfits, and even an adult-sized baby costume!

The event was a massive display of community spirit, with Central Park Perth buzzing from early morning through to the afternoon. The well-organized event keeps getting better each year, and 2024 was no exception.

A Heartfelt Thank You

A huge thank you to MSWA, Central Park Tower, and all the sponsors for supporting this wonderful event. Your efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of many.

We look forward to next year’s challenge and hope to see even more participants stepping up for this fantastic cause!


Stair Climbing Australia