NEW YORK - Runners climbed to the top of the city's most iconic building at an annual Winter run Thursday.
More than 200 people raced the Empire State Building's 86 floors for the 40th Run-Up.
Defending champion Suzy Walsham won the woman's race for the eighth time, setting the record for the most individual wins in its history.
Among the other runners were a Boston Marathon survivor and the firefighter who rescued her.
The two are also engaged to be married.
NY1 Sports Reporter Dario Melendez also took part in the climb.
"I got off to such a fast pace and by the third floor I was looking for the elevator, so--it was fun though, so much fun," Melendez said.
"When I finished I was pretty thrilled knowing that I got my eighth title, so you know, on the way up that was on the back of my mind and I had to just try and focus on finishing and staying strong," Walsham said.
"I didn't really know what to expect I just thought it would be fun and I'm exhausted, but it was a good experience," said another runner.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps people with disabilities get involved in sports.