Wanderers Reach New Heights in Mellon Bank Competition (Feb 2002)

The Mellon Bank building, all 53 stories of it. Check out the rest of the photo album.

The Wissahickon Wanderers might not be the fastest athletes on this planet. However, when the challenge is issued, no matter when, no matter where (as proven by the strong club performance at the Baffin Island marathon this summer) and now no matter what, the Wanderers are among the quickest to respond.

The latest task was a tall order for the Wanderers, 53 stories tall to be precise. The Mellon Bank Center stair climb, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, was held on February 24. Answering the challenge were Bob Adelson, Rock Steady, and Wanderers stair climbing specialist Mike Branca. More than 70 individuals and 10 relay teams competed in the dash up the 1019 steps to the 53rd and top floor of the Mellon Bank Center building in downtown Philadelphia.

The stair climb was a light workout for Mike who had excelled earlier in the month in the Empire State Building stair climb in New York City. Mike flew up the stairs in a time of eight minutes and nine seconds to finish seventh overall and first in the 50-59 category.

Rock enjoys the penthouse accomodations on the 53rd floor. Check out the rest of the photo album.

Bob Adelson finished in the top ten in his 40-49 age category in a time of 11:25. Rock Steady with a strong finishing kick in the last three flights was timed in 10:09 to grab third place in his 50-59 age category.

About $40,000 was raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the event.

In upcoming challenges, look for Bob and Rock to be performing in some Pump and Run competitions this spring where they will be displaying a wide range of athletic skills including weight lifting as well as running.

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