World champion Soh Wai Ching has ‘unfinished business’ taking on RNLI Tower Run
World champion Tower Runner, Soh Wai Ching from Malaysia, has confirmed he will be taking part in his second RNLI Tower Run in London this October – and this time he has one aim - to beat his previous record.
The RNLI Tower Run, which takes place on Saturday 12 October, is the tallest and toughest ever in the UK. The event has already attracted more than 200 competitors who will run, walk or crawl 1,500 steps over 58 floors to the top of 22 Bishopsgate to raise funds to pay for the charity’s 24/7 lifesaving service.
Soh Wai Ching, 30, from Petaling Jaya near Kuala Lumpur is currently ranked No 1 in the World, a title he has been maintaining for two and a half years. In May he became World Champion following the Taipei 101 vertical marathon. He is also Founder and the Secretary of Malaysia Tower running Association (MTA).
He said: ‘To me, back in 2022, I didn’t achieve my best time, so I personally think it’s unfinished business. I think the time can still be improved and faster – set the bar higher so it stays there for a long time.’
Wai Ching hopes to complete the 2024 RNLI Tower Run in 6.45 minutes, seven seconds faster than his performance in 2022. He will be well warmed up for it - having taken on the Empire State Building Run-Up in New York just three days before.
RNLI Senior Community Manager Adam Clarke said: ‘We are delighted Wai Ching has signed up to take part in his second RNLI Tower Run. He is an amazing athlete and it will be extraordinary to see him beat his previous time’.
The run’s location, at 22 Bishopsgate, holds particular significance for the RNLI as it stands on the very site of the London Tavern where the institution was founded in 1824.
Now, 200 years after that event, the charity that saves lives at sea is calling on supporters to return to this historic spot to help the RNLI continue saving lives at sea.
Since opening on the Thames in 2002 the station’s lifeboats have launched more than 18,000 times and saved more than 650 lives, helping not only people in danger on the water, but also those trapped on the foreshore.
‘Our crews are always racing to save lives on the Thames so it would give us a tremendous boost to know supporters are also stepping up to this extraordinary challenge to help us continue,’ said Tower Station Manager Kevin Maynard. ‘It seems really fitting that this event is taking place where the RNLI first started,’ he added.
The event will take place on Saturday 12 October and those making it to the top floors will be treated to incredible uninterrupted views across London. Those taking part will also be able to toast their success at a special reception celebrating their fundraising efforts.
People can still sign up to race as we have places remaining or support even if they aren’t running by donating through the just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rnli-tower-run-2024
Media Contacts:
For further information contact Regional Communications Manager Beth Robson [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.