Brisbane Youth Service (BYS), Student One and Activ8 Change are calling on Brisbane’s super-fit (as well as our ‘not-as-fit’ and ‘not-all-that-fit-really’) to tackle one of the world’s tallest student accommodation towers, Student One Wharf, in the Brisbane Vertical Night Sprint on Thursday 6 June.
Billed as Australia’s first ever night-time stair climb, the Brisbane Vertical Night Sprint (Night Sprint) aims to see upwards of 300 participants climb 707-stairs to the top of Student One Wharf, with some expected to achieve this feat in as little as four minutes!
Student One CEO Tim Weston said the company was looking to host a fun, charity event that draws attention to the growing issue of youth homelessness in Brisbane.
“The obvious choice was to utilise the tall, student accommodation tower of Student One Wharf to challenge Brisbane’s corporate, government, student and fitness communities with a race to the top,” Mr Weston said.
It’s all for a good cause, with funds raised going to BYS – a local charity that helps homeless, marginalised and vulnerable young people (aged 12-25 years) and young families with crisis and transitional housing, physical and mental health services and specialist programs for young women and families.
Managed by Activ8 Change and hosted by Student One, the Night Sprint is expected to become a must-do annual event for fitness enthusiasts and Brisbanites keen to support the city’s marginalised youth.
BYS CEO Annemaree Callander said the event will be a key contributor to the charity’s annual fundraising efforts, and encouraged individuals and teams to take the challenge.
“This is our inaugural event, so BYS along with our Major Partner Student One, are calling on people who live, work and study in Brisbane’s CBD and surrounds to help us achieve a strong turnout,” Ms Callander said.
“The goal is to raise $50,000 for BYS and provide a fun and exciting way for Brisbane residents to join forces by racing up more than 700 stairs together and shining a light on youth homelessness in Brisbane.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Student One and to be named beneficiaries. The funds raised will help us to deliver on our vision to support new futures for young people,” she said.
Mr Weston said 12 members of the Student One team were raising funds to gain entry into the Night Sprint.
“On the day of the event, the team will don their official BVNS singlet and funky headband, and enjoy a light warm up with our personal trainers, before they get their legs and hearts pumping up the 707 stairs.
“We know there’ll be several professional and semi-professional runners taking part on the night, but most of us will be happy enough to simply reach the top!
“The Night Spring is another fun way of embracing the best of our city and its culture, so we’re reaching out to Brisbane’s fitness and wellness enthusiasts to make this event truly great,” he said.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 6 June 2019
Time: From 5.30pm, with starting times being staggered throughout the event.
Course: Participants will race from the lobby of Student One Wharf (38 Wharf Street) up through the fire stairs to reach the top, 39 storeys, 112 metres and 707 stairs later.
Finish: The event will finish in the Student One sky lounge at the top of the building, where refreshments will be available for all participants. Presentations will follow for winners, runners up, teams and sponsors.
To register for the Brisbane Vertical Night Sprint, visit www.stairchallengeaustralia.com.au
BYS would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters of this event:
