A record-breaking event!

On 21 May, New Zealand firefighters puffed their way to the top of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower for the chance at the title of fastest man and fastest woman and to raise funds for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation.

This year, defending his 2010 record, Paul Gerritsen, from Onehunga Station finished in 8 minutes 56 seconds, but was edged out by his flat-mate Josh Harrison of Otara Station with a time of 8 minutes 45 seconds; both setting new records. Gerritsen finished first last year with 9 minutes 35 seconds.

This year’s fastest female firefighter was Rebecca Kemp of Onehunga Station with a time of 14 minutes 9 seconds. For the full list of the 2011 race results please click here.

In addition to the physical test, the brigades compete for the title of top fundraiser. Auckland Airport Rescue Fire raised a record $26,154 seizing the fundraising trophy from Paihia’s Volunteer Fire Brigade, who had won it for five years in a row. Paihia who raised $24,000 in 2010, did not compete in the 2011 event. The stunning results mean that over $170,000 was raised for the LBF.

Now in its eighth year, the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is a New Zealand tradition. The firefighters race up 51 flights - or 1,103 Sky Tower steps - wearing full firefighting kit and breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg. This year’s participating firefighters represented 120 New Zealand brigades and stations, compared with the 100 brigades in 2010.

Due to the kindness of New Zealand’s firefighters who give their time to train and their energy to fundraise and their communities who donate so generously, the LBF is able to continue to support patients and their families when they receive the life-changing diagnosis of a blood cancer.

Thanks to the continued participation in this event, the LBF can be there for the 6 New Zealanders who are diagnosed everyday with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood condition.

The event is kindly sponsored by SKYCITY and Auckland Airport which means that all the funds raised go directly to the LBF. Other sponsors include:

• New Zealand Fire Service
• St. John
• High Pressure Equipment
• Otakiri Springs