Central Otago firefighters have had their stamina put to the test while conquering the 20th annual Sky Tower Challenge on Saturday, May 18.

Firefighters from Nasbey, Omakau, Alexandra, Clyde, and Cromwell travelled to Auckland for the grueling event, all in the spirit of raising money for Leukemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Each participant had to climb all 1103 steps to the top of the Sky Tower, while wearing full firefighter gear, which is designed to keep heat from fires out, but increases the body temperature when carrying over 25 kilograms. 

For some Central firefighters, it was their first time, and for one it was his 20th time climbing the 328 metre high building. 

Adam Rubie was the only representative of the Omakau Volunteer Fire Brigade to compete this year and one of very few to complete the Sky Tower challenge every year it has been running.

“Once you’ve done seven or eight, you want to get to 10, then you just want to keep going,” Adam said.

He completed the challenge in 20 minutes 58 seconds, a time he felt was “a nice mid-field finish”. 

“I will be going back next year, for sure”

Adam Rubie (left), of Omakau, with Tony Scott, both who have completed the event every year. PHOTO: Adam Rubie

Adam was presented with an award at the presentation for his outstanding effort in completing 20 Sky Tower Challenges.

His dedication to fundraising for Leukemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand comes from losing an uncle to Leukaemia.

“It has kept me keen on the fundraising aspect of the event”.

Nasbey's team of four, who have all completed the event before, were proud to represent their town and have a “short city fix”.

Phil Flanagan said the event was “a great reason and goal to get fit, and we are proud to help raise funds for Leukemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand”.

This year's event was Phil’s eighth time attending.

He said once completed; participants had "all earned our beer”. 

The Alexandra Sky Tower team placed 15th on the national fundraising leaderboard, raising just over $18,400.

The Alexandra team before climbing the sky tower. PHOTO: Mitch Stringer

Peter Robbinson, of Alexandra, completed the Man of Steel event, where he carried a steel cylinder and climbed a further nine floors, which was 51 more than the majority of fire fighters climbed. 

Mitch Stringer said “as tough as the race was, it sounds like most of the team are already talking about giving it another go next year.”

Central Otago teams thanked their local communities for their fundraising support, which included buying raffle tickets, donating to the fundraising effort and allowing fundraising to take place on their premises.

Messages of support were also well received.