Empire State Realty Trust Opens Lottery for 48th Annual Tower Climb
Event summary
- Empire State Realty Trust opened lottery registration for the 48th annual Empire State Building Observation Deck Run-Up, set for October 6, 2026.
- 225 runners will compete in the stair climb to the 86th-floor observation deck, with a $175 participation fee for selected entrants.
- NYU Langone Health and Merrell return as presenting and supporting sponsors, respectively.
- The event is produced by Super Race Systems.
The big picture
The Empire State Building Observation Deck Run-Up serves as a strategic asset for Empire State Realty Trust, reinforcing the landmark’s status as a top tourist attraction while generating revenue through sponsorships and participation fees. The event aligns with broader trends in experiential tourism and corporate branding, where iconic locations leverage unique experiences to drive engagement.
What we're watching
- Event Scaling
- Whether Empire State Realty Trust can sustain interest in the annual race as a premium tourism and branding event amid rising competition from other iconic landmarks.
- Sponsorship Value
- How NYU Langone Health and Merrell will leverage their association with the event to enhance brand visibility and community engagement.
- Participant Demographics
- The evolving composition of runners, including media, celebrities, athletes, and public participants, and its impact on the event's prestige.