Racing up 1642 stairs to the top of Melbourne’s tallest building on a Sunday morning isn’t everybody’s idea of fun.
But for Werribee CFA members Dominic Trifilo, Scott Menzies, Dominique May and Matt Mannix, taking on 88 floors as part of the Eureka Climb on November 16 is an eagerly anticipated challenge.
The climb is billed as one of the highest vertical races in the world. Entrants can walk, run or climb their way to the tower’s skydeck – a 300-metre elevation – as individuals or in teams of four.
It will be the Werribee CFA team’s fourth attempt after being placed among the top 10 emergency services teams in 2013.
As part of their training, the four fireys have been seeking out stairs far and wide.
Mr Menzies said the while the event was a perfect opportunity for firefighters and emergency services to test their fitness, the climb was open to everybody.
“It’s about the challenge to push yourself to get up there and you can go at your own pace,” he said. “As firefighters, we regularly have to go up stairs as part of our job, so for us it’s not only great training but also a team-building exercise.”
The event raises funds for Whitelion, which supports vulnerable young people, and Interplast Australia and New Zealand, which works to improve the quality of life for people disabled as a result of congenital or acquired medical conditions.
The Eureka Climb will also feature an emergency services challenge, with entrants competing in protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
The climb attracts a mix of top athletes and those who simply want to make it to the finish line. Last year, more than 2500 people from Australia and overseas took part with $250,000 going to charity.
Register online at www.eurekaclimb.com.au.
