Tower Running UK

Laurence Ball set a new course record at the Leadenhall Building in London yesterday (Nov. 7), taking victory at the Grate48 stair climb event.

The emerging star of UK tower running set a new best time of 6:30 at the 1,258-step and 48-floor tower in the City of London.

The previous record of 6:56 had been set by Mark Howard in April, 2018. Howard also managed to go well under that time yesterday, as he clocked 6:36 to take second place. Will Obeney was third in 7:21.

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Congratulations to these two for taking victory at @rainbowtrustcc #Grate48 at The @cheesegraterldn yesterday with @lb_2020 building on his victory at The Walkie Talkie earlier this year, and second at Broadgate Tower, with a win and new course record! (Congrats to @howardhike too for also smashing his own course record to finish second). . Massive congratulations also to @nicolahendersonofficial who recorded her first race victory to cap what has been a remarkable year. . 🏃🏃🔝🔝🙌🙌🧡🧡 . Grate48 closes the Towerrunning season in the UK for 2019, but expecting big things from these two and all @tm_towerrunners in 2020. Rest, recover, go again! . 📸 @lb_2020 . #totalmotiontowerrunners

A post shared by Total Motion Towerrunners (@tm_towerrunners) on Nov 7, 2019 at 10:58pm PST

It was Ball’s second win of the year, after he finished in top spot at the Walkie Talkie building back in March. He also managed fourth place at Vertical Rush, and second at the stacked Broadgate Tower Run-Up in July.

Given that this was the final UK race of 2019, it was a fitting end to what has been a stellar debut year for the UK athlete.

The growing rivalry between Mark Howard and Laurence Ball is definitely the most exciting development in UK tower running right now. Expect more close-run battles and new course records in 2020.

You can find the full Grate48 2019 standings in our results hub.