The Triple M – Q1 Run to the Sun event has secured the world number one stair runner as well as the leading female stair runner, making the event truly world class.

Paul Crake, the number one stair runner in the world, five time winner of the Empire State Building run and current record holder for the Empire State Building has been confirmed to take part in the event on December 1 on the Gold Coast. Last weekend Crake won the Taipei Run up – a stair race up the tallest building in the world – and is now a professional cyclist based in Europe.

Also confirmed is Sydney-based Belinda Soszyn, three time winner of both the Empire State Building run and the Sydney Centrepoint run. Belinda is one of only two female runners in a field of 20 elite athletes.

The full field has now been announced for the gruelling Triple M ~ Q1 Run to the Sun, a race up 1,821 stairs. The race will officially launch Q1’s spectacular Observation Deck – 230 metres above the ground on Levels 77 and 78 of the iconic new tower in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Joining the ranks of elite runners is Triple M Brisbane’s Greg ‘Marto’ Martin, a former Wallaby great.

Austereo general manager, Richard Barker told Radioinfo “Based on anecdotal research, the fastest runner is expected to complete the 1,821 stair race to the Observation Deck in around nine minutes. This compares with the usual mode of transport to be used, one of world’s fastest elevators which will do the journey in 43 seconds.”

The Triple M ~ Q1 Run to the Sun will also see the top rating The Cage breakfast shows from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne’s Triple M stations all broadcast live simultaneously from Q1 to celebrate the event.

The winner of the race will take home a $10,000 cash prize, making it one of the highest paying – and highest overall – races in the country. Second place getter will receive $5,000 and third, $2500. A Triple M listener will also receive $5,000.