Moon wins Empire State Building race

New Zealand World Mountain Running champion Melissa Moon has won the women's section of New York City's annual Empire State Building Run-Up.

The 40-year-old from Wellington dashed up 86 flights of stairs in 13 minutes 13 seconds, 40 seconds clear of her nearest challenger this morning (NZT).

When she finished, she smiled and said: "Oh, look at that view!"

German 25-year-old Thomas Dold won the race in just 10 minutes and 16 seconds. Dold was grimacing in pain by the time he reached the top and he sprawled on the ground.

He was now tied with two others for the record for the most wins in the event.

The contestants began their mad dash in the lobby and finished on the observation deck.

They had to jostle with others in a stairwell wide enough for only two people at a time.

Moon was 21st overall.

- NZPA