NEW YORK — The Empire State Building Observation Deck (ESB) has opened general lottery registration for this year’s Empire State Building Observation Deck Run-Up (ESBRU), which will run through July 20, 2026. The annual race will take place on Oct. 6, 2026, at 8 p.m.
This year’s race marks the 48th anniversary of the event, in which 225 runners will race up 1,576 stairs of the iconic New York City landmark to reach the world-famous 86th Floor Observation Deck.
“Every year, the Empire State Building Observation Deck Run-Up is a remarkable feat for all who participate as they race up to Tripadvisor’s #1 top attraction in the U.S.,” said Tony Malkin, chairman and CEO of the Empire State Realty Trust. “We are excited to welcome this year’s runners from around the globe to compete in the world’s preeminent tower race.”
The lottery drawing will take place on July 21, and entrants will be notified of their race status thereafter. Selected runners will be required to pay a $175 participation fee upon acceptance. Past races have included participants from the media, celebrities, ESRT tenants, athletes, New York City real estate brokers, members of the NYPD and FDNY, and the general public.
