The return of Race to the Roof
After a four-year hiatus, the very popular Race to the Roof returned on Friday October 11, with participants taking on the 288 steps of the Ned Hanlon Building.
To ease back into the event, this year was a non-competitive, non-timed affair, but plenty of staff still got involved. About 50 people took on the challenge, in a range of eclectic outfits.
Chief organiser and Clinical Measurements Director Adam Scott said the event was originally created to encourage staff to use the stairs rather than the lifts. In time it also became about getting staff to be active and to improve mental health.
“Race to the Roof is really an opportunity for staff to have some fun and get a chance to see the view from the helipad,” said Adam.
“It unites the hospital clans to come together and have some fun, from wardies to food services to NeoResQ.”
The event has been around since 2003, making this the 18th year it has been run.
As well as being something for staff to look forward to, it has raised awareness for multiple charities.
The event was made possible by a large group of volunteers from the Cardiology Department, Waste Services, Security, Staff Council, Team Royal, AVTelemed and Clinical Multimedia.
The goal is for Race to the Roof to return in a competitive format in 2025.
If anyone thinks they might want a shot at the record for the ascent, Berhanu Boyama set the time of 1 minute, 14 seconds in 2015.