One of the tallest indoor stair climbs in the world will be held up the soaring Willis Tower in Chicago on Sunday, November 8, 2026. SkyRise Chicago, a Towerrunning 80 event will see athletes climb 2,159 stairs and to finish at SkyDeck Chicago on the 103rd floor. Due to the starting area on level -2 there are 105 stories to climb.

Successful climbers have access on the Skydeck to four glass-bottomed, enclosed balconies that extend 4.3 feet to the south and to the west, providing unobstructed views—1,353 feet straight down—over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.

Main goal of SkyRise Chicago is to support Shirley Ryan Ability Lab which is a global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions — from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment.

Like in the last years SkyRise Chicago is pleased to provide free slots for a selected number of athletes from Towerrunning USA and for some international athletes too !

Tower Running USA is thrilled to announce the Elite Wave for Willis Tower! As the #2 ranked tower run in the USA, Willis Tower delivers a legendary 200-point challenge and one of the toughest climbs in the country. If you’re top 30 USA top 3 in your age group, or any competitive international you can get into the elite wave for a clear staircase, as well as free entry!

If that’s you, shoot us an email at towerrunningusa@gmail.com and let us know you’re interested! Even if you’re not, you can still join the Elite Wave, line up with the best climbers in the country, tackle one of America’s premier venues, boost your ranking, and support an excellent cause. Spots are limited — don’t miss your chance to run with the best at Willis Tower!

Registration of the selected athletes will be by a special code delivered to them in time.
Race website is  https://skyrisechicago.org/2026

Towerrunning USA athletes please apply per mail to
David Hanley: towerrunningusa@gmail.com

Interested and TWA-registered international athletes please apply until September 30, 2026 by a click on the button below.