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The only way is UP!

On March the 1st, ETO’s man of action Paul Smith be running the UK’s first Vertical Mile tower climbing record attempt for Shelter, the homeless charity, during their Vertical Rush event at Tower 42 in London.

Paul explained, “Training’s been very tough, even against a background of preparing for the London Marathon, because stair climbing uses other muscles and it’s going to be a hell of a thigh-burning slog, to say nothing of the cardio load. I enjoyed my sub-seven minute run up the tower during last year’s Vertical Rush event and Shelter and Tower 42’s Health and Safety team have ok’d my challenge to do it again, and again, and again, and again… We’re just waiting to hear back from the Guinness Book of World Records people as to the exact format they want it run in, but my chances of setting a new record of some description are looking good.”

As the only person taking part in Vertical Rush nine times in succession, by joining the rear of each wave waiting to climb, he’ll race up a total of 378 floors, 8,280 steps and 5,310 feet vertically; a little over a mile straight up. For comparison, Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – is ‘only’ 4,406ft in height. Paul plans to finish in under 99 minutes and is begging your support. He’d adore it if you were to sponsor his efforts for Shelter via either JustGiving.com or VirginMoneyGiving.com – More info on the Vertical Rush event – now in it’s fourth year – can be read on Shelter’s website.