Case for a return to a high-rise run

Geelong Advertiser, 12 November 2010

By Michael Stevens

When Geoff Case won the New York Empire State Building climb for the third successive year in 1993 it was front page news in the Geelong Advertiser.

He flew to New York first class as a result of winning the Rialto Run-up, an endurance test of 55 floors and 1254 steps.

Now 20 years on and aged 52, the Batesford window installer is set to tackle the Eureka Tower fundraiser on Sunday a climb of 88 floors and 300m vertically.

Mr Case said he was “curious” to see how his body responded to the challenge after only four weeks of training for the event, but pleased he would be contesting the elite section.

“It’s not as though I have to win this time, like 20 years ago when I had to finish on the podium to be successful,” he said.

Mr Case said he had always stayed fit during the past 20 years, but had surprised himself how quickly he had got back into shape for the challenge.

“I am 8kg heavier and would have a lot less strength or power-to-weight ratio, but it is still a running race and all to do with your legs,” he said.

“However, I’ve always felt the more difficult events enabled me to compete against higher-calibre athletes.”

Mr Case said his training regime this time was radically different with a concentration on gym work and indoor cycling as opposed to an emphasis on running because he was wary of sustaining a calf injury.

With much more stringent security in place these days, he also did not have the open access to the Rialto building he did when in his prime.