Last Thursday, October 6th, six incredible Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) athletes, joined by 22 dedicated fundraising participants, took on the 44th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up. Presented by Turkish Airlines and powered by CAF, this legendary stair climb was produced in collaboration with the Empire State Realty Trust and NYCRUNS. 

For one night only, the 92-year-old Empire State Building, one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, shut down its elevators and opened its stairwell for the world’s first and most famous tower race. Competitors from around the globe lined up to face the ultimate endurance challenge: scaling 86 flights of stairs… 1,576 steps in total to reach the building’s famed Observatory. 

While visitors can reach the top in under a minute by elevator, elite stair climbers have sprinted their way up in as little as 10 minutes, making this race a true test of strength, stamina, and determination. 

Team CAF Shines at the 2022 Run-Up 

As the official charity partner of the event, CAF proudly fielded a team of six adaptive athletes:

• Kelly Worrell – led Team CAF with a personal record time of 20:29
• Christian Metzler
• Anthony “A-Train” Smith – awarded Most Determined for muscling through to the top in 56:05
• Roosevelt Morring
• Billy Davis
• Chris Provenzano

Each of these athletes showcased extraordinary resilience and perseverance, proving that physical challenges don’t define one’s ability to accomplish great feats. Their performance inspired spectators and fellow participants alike, making a powerful statement about inclusion and adaptive athletics. 

Raising Over $60,000 to Support Adaptive Sports 

Leading up to race day, our 22 CAF fundraising participants rallied their networks to support our mission, collectively raising over $60,000. These funds will help CAF provide adaptive sports equipment, training, mentorship, and community programs for athletes with physical disabilities around the world. 

Even more meaningful than the fundraising total was the way this event welcomed new members to the CAF family. Many first-time fundraisers joined our cause, experiencing firsthand the energy and inspiration that defines Team CAF. 

One such newcomer, Hayley Odom, who raised an impressive $4,500, shared: 

“I can’t even begin to thank you enough! What a wonderful organization…I am so thankful to have had this opportunity. Not only to participate in the climb, but to witness athletes with challenges complete the climb as well. A very humbling experience.” 

Four More Years of CAF as Official Charity Sponsor 

CAF is thrilled to announce that we will continue as the official charity partner of the Empire State Building Run-Up for the next four years. This long-term collaboration reflects a shared commitment to moving beyond awareness into true acceptance and empowerment for adaptive athletes. 

With every stair climbed, every dollar raised, and every new supporter welcomed, CAF moves closer to our mission: empowering lives through sport and proving that no challenge is too great to overcome. 

Looking Ahead 

The 44th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up wasn’t just a race—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets community support. We’re already looking forward to next year’s climb, with goals to break fundraising records, expand Team CAF’s presence, and inspire even more athletes to rise above physical barriers. 

Stay tuned for announcements on how you can join Team CAF for the 2023 Empire State Building Run-Up and help us continue making sports accessible for all.