The LOROS Tower Run, which sees people race up 351 steps to reach the top of Leicester’s iconic St George’s Tower is attracting global climbing talent this year, and will be celebrating its 5th year on Saturday 14th March, which has now become a key date in the Tower Running World Association calendar.
The day will see competitive tower runners and charity fundraisers alike join together to walk or run up the iconic blue building and raise money for local charity, LOROS Hospice.
Last year’s event was extremely popular, with more than 400 runners taking part, raising an impressive £20,000 for the Hospice. Among the confirmed participants for this year is British newcomer, Laurence Ball. Ball made his debut on the Tower Running circuit just last year, when he took first place at the Walkie Talkie Tower Climb in London.
“I won that race – much to my surprise – I remember stumbling out the top of the building, panting, and there were lots of people staring at me and I didn’t know why.”
Now second in the UK and ‘the one to watch’, Ball has a hectic calendar of races for the coming year, including the LOROS Tower Run. “There aren’t many races in the UK, especially outside London. I heard that it’s a short and very fast run, which is a bit different for me – the idea of a sprint is exciting. Of the races in the UK, it seemed like an ideal one.”
Competing against Ball for top spot will be Hendrik Holstad, Norway’s reigning Tower Run champion, who is making his first ever trip to Leicester to take on the challenge.
“I read about the LOROS tower run on the Tower Running Association homepage. It’s not too far away for Norway and I find it very exciting to travel in the UK. I’m really interested to see how the race model will differ over there.”
As a reward for completing the climb, participants will each receive a finisher’s medal and be able to enjoy stunning views of across the whole city from the finish line on the top floor.
Entry costs just £17 or is free for anyone that pledges to raise £50 for LOROS.
