Speedy athletes invited to set a new record for the fastest WWF CN Tower climb

WWF

TORONTO, March 23, 2017 — WWF-Canada invites speedy athletes to compete in Toronto’s tallest challenge to become the fastest to scale all 1,776 steps in the inaugural Elite Climb Challenge as part of the annual CN Tower Climb For Nature community fundraiser.

About the Elite Climb Challenge

  • Who: Anyone who thinks they can make it to the top in less than 15 minutes (the average climber takes 30 to 40 minutes).
  • Why: Challenge for a new record with unobstructed access to the CN Tower stairwell ahead of the individual and team climbers.
  • When: Sunday, April 9, starting at 7 a.m. (arrive by 6:30 a.m.).
  • How: Sign up at wwf.ca/eliteclimb and fundraise at least $150.

 
Meet some Elite Climb contenders

  • Shaun Stephens-Whale: One of the world’s top tower runners, the B.C.-resident has raced up some of the tallest buildings in the world, including the Empire State Building, Seattle’s Rainier Tower and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Tower. On March 16, he finished sixth at the Eiffel Tower climb, completing the 1,665 steps in 8 minutes, 30 seconds.
  • Tyler Kruschenske:  A competitive obstacle course racer from Brantford, Ont., he competes in more than 20 courses per year, including a world championship, the Spartan Race and Tough Mudder. He trains by running on his day job as a meter reader for the gas company. He’s climbed the CN Tower three times and is WWF-Canada’s fastest returning climber enrolled in the Elite Climb Challenge.
  • Humber College Pre-Service Firefighter and Education and Training: A team of firefighting students will put their training to the test by attempting to climb the CN Tower in under 15 minutes.

 
About the record time
The current record was set in 1989 by Brendan Keenoy, a police detective who reached the top in 7 minutes and 52 seconds. The fastest WWF-Canada climb recorded is around 10 minutes.
 
About WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature
WWF-Canada’s most significant fundraising event, the CN Tower Climb for Nature raises more than $1 million to protect habitats and species across Canada.

  • Public Climb is on April 8: Family-friendly climb for individuals, families, and groups who have raised at least $100 per person.
  • Ultimate Climb is on April 9: Climb for corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts, first responders and elite climbers who have raised at least $150 per person.

About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca.
 
For further information
Emily Vandermeer, communications specialist
[email protected], +416-489-4567 ext. 7298