By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THE breathtaking views from the top of the Eureka Tower will be of no use to Mary Aldred, come 15 November.
The 32-year-old from Pakenham will run up 1642 stairs to take part in the annual Eureka Climb, an event challenging competitors to race to level 88 of the tallest building in Melbourne.
It’s set to raise much-needed funds for charity partners Whitelion, supporting young people in the youth justice system, and Interplast, working to provide free essential surgical treatment in the Asia Pacific.
Mary will take part in the run with her sister, Lucy.
“Every year Lucy and I like to do something that really challenges both of us,” she said.
“I’ve done the Eureka Climb once before and I found it really challenging, so it seemed like a good fit.”
Participants in the climb can enter individually or in teams of four, and complete the run in staggered starting times.
This year, the ‘Emergency Services Challenge’ will again see Ambulance, SES and Police Victoria teams vying to beat Melbourne Fire Brigade’s unbeaten squad.
With Eureka Climb claiming the title of Australia’s biggest vertical race, Mary is training hard in preparation for the event.
“I go swimming a couple of mornings a week at the YMCA and quite often I jog around Lakeside too. I also really enjoy cycling,” she said.
She’s looking forward to putting her hard work to the test in just over a month.
“It’s a big event and it’s for a great cause, so it’s really exciting.”
