Race to the Top

Think you can make it back to the top? This year 750 climbers will have the chance to beat down gravity and race to the top of the Duke Energy Center's 50th floor, as they compete against the clock. This years' Race To The Top will take place on Saturday, March 24th, 2012 starting at 8:30 am.

Race To The Top is an event owned and operated by the Charlotte Sports Commission, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Climber Information

Important information needed for this event:

› Racer Information Packet
› Buiding Diagram

Registration

Registration Details

Climber Registration: $35.00, First Responder Registration: $30.00

Closes – One (1) week prior to race or when the 750 climber cap is reached. Registrations WILL NOT be accepted the day of the event.

Event Details

Packet/Shirt Pick Up

Runner shirts & bags will be given out at check-in the day of the event.

Climbers

A cap of 750 Climbers has been set for 2012. You must be at least 13 years of age to participate.

Race Day Information

Participant check-in will start at 7:30 am at the Duke Energy Center and be staggered based off of your flight time. Flight times are based off of your perceived level of experience with a tower run. The experience levels determine when your flight time will be.

The Course & The Race

Duke Energy Center
550 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Race To The Top begins at 8:30 am where each individual climber will take off every 15 seconds from the start line. The Race To The Top is a 50-floor full climb with a total of 1,194 steps. The amount of steps per floor varies throughout the building.

Race To The Top is an individually timed event where climbers will be competing against the clock for the fastest time. There will be four (4) water stops and bailout points along the course. Water, Restrooms, and Bailout.

Bailout points and water stops are located on the 14th, 26th, 34th and 49th floors

• On the 14th and 34th floors you will have access to water fountains
• The 26th floor will have a cooler with water cups
• Runners will need to carefully exit the stairway and finish water before returning

A map may be located in the climber information links above.

Duke Energy Center stairwells turn to the right. While climbing, please pass on the left side only. Upon completion of the race you will be asked to turn your timing chip in and will be brought back to the main lobby via service elevators.

Only participants, staff and volunteers are permitted in the stairwells. The carrying of infants and small children up the stairs is strictly prohibited. The carrying of any objects is strictly prohibited in the stairwell including but not limited to the following:

• iPods or music devices
• Water bottles
• Children
• Water belts with removable bottles (camelpacks are acceptable)
• Keys, cell phones, PDAs
• Cameras (Video or still)

Emergency Situation

In the case there is emergency situation that requires medical attention or access to one of the buildings floors, please locate and activate a call box. Upon activation you will be directly connected to building security and medic. They will be able to assist you with any needs as they arise.

Awards Ceremony & Post Party

There will be seven awards handed out for this year's Race To The Top. We will have our fastest three men and women and our overall fastest climber. Post Race Party will begin at 9:00 am and run until noon. Music, food, drink and vendor booths will be set up along the Levine Avenue of the Arts. Beer will be supplied but you must show a valid driver's license or passport. You cannot use your bib as identification!

Sponsors & Supporters

Race To The Top would like to thank all of our sponsors & supporters for being a part of this year's event!

Event Owner & Operator

Sponsors

2011 Race Results & Pictures

The Charlotte Regional Sports Commission would like to thank all of those who participated in our inaugural event! Race To The Top 2011 was an incredible success and we look forward to continuing this event with your support. We would also like to congratulate this year’s winner:

Men's		Women's
1st - Michael Creason (7:29)		1st - Stephanie Hucko (8:22)
2nd - Brandon Cullen (7:36)		2nd - Emma Williamson (8:48)
3rd - Keith Mrochek (7:36)		3rd - Anneke Schindler (9:00)
Firefighter Challenge
1st - Captain Jonah Smith (14:42)

For a complete listing of race results please click the button below.

For all of the Race To The Top pictures, please visit our Shutterfly page at crsc.shutterfly.com

How To Become A Sponsor
Race To The Top has many great opportunities for corporations to get involved. To receive the event sponsorship deck and more information please contact:

Chris Clouden
Senior Director of Events & Marketing
(704) 688-8167
Email

Be A Volunteer
Interested in becoming a volunteer for Race To The Top? We are always looking for dedicated and hard working volunteers to help without events. Please visit the volunteer registration site and register today to become a volunteer! If you have any questions regarding volunteer opportunities please contact, Stephanie York.

Charlotte Regional Sports Commission volunteer opportunities: Register

Stephanie York
Assistant Director of Marketing
(704) 688-8167
Email

Event Director Contact Info
For additional race details or for more information, please contact:

Chris Raynor
Assistant Director of Events
(704) 688-8167
Email

Destination Information
For hotel, event and travel information for Charlotte, please check out our partners at Visit Charlotte.