Last weekend, a record-setting number talked the talk, then walked the walk—all the way up 1,776 stairs to reach the top of the world’s tallest free-standing structure. Each climber had to collect a minimum of $25 in pledges before ascending the quarter-mile of stairs.
But don’t let the vertigo daunt you. The record time was set in 1989, when Brendan Keenoy bounded to the top in seven minutes and 52 seconds. However, it only takes the average physically fit person about half an hour to reach the summit.
For the past four years, the event has been broken down into three different events: the student challenge, the public climb and the team challenge.
On the whole, 10,300 climbers participated this year. That’s up from 8,100 people last year. Total proceeds from this year’s events were not available at press time. “The money raised [at this event] is part of a fall fundraising campaign, the goal of which is $78.5 million for the Greater Toronto Area community,” said Kim Barnhardt, promotions manager with the United Way.
This year was the 25th anniversary of the stair climb, which continues to grow steadily. The event began one year after the completion of the tower and continues to be a local fundraising tradition for Torontonians.
More than 2,100 students participated in this year’s climb.
When asked why he participated, U of T student Philip Casamento, who climbed the steps in 24 minutes and 46 seconds, responded enthusiastically: “People live for this shit!”
The senior girls high school swim team from Branksome Hall have made it a tradition to attend. “It’s a team-building exercise, and that’s important. That, and having fun,” said coach Kathy Stegemga, who offered her team the student climb instead of a Saturday morning practice.
“The students really go all out at this event. Their excitement and enthusiasm is contagious—you can’t help but be excited too,” said United Way of Greater Toronto president Frances Lankin.
More and more athletes are coming out to the event. Brian Taborek, a triathlon athlete and teacher at Westview High School, completed the quarter-mile trek in 13 minutes and 11 seconds. “The kids have a good time and the charity effort is certainly commendable.”
The money raised will go towards community agencies working within the Greater Toronto Area that help various causes, including at-risk youth, homeless and disabled people, and abused women and children.
