Eden Park provides ultimate stair climb challenge

Instead of hosting a cricket test or rugby match, Eden Park will host people taking part in Stadium Stomp on March 20.

The ultimate stair climb challenge - Stadium Stomp Eden Park - will be held for the first time on March 20.

Covering some 5000 stairs within Eden Park's grandstands, participants will be sent on a stair-climbing course unmatched by anything Auckland has seen before. With this amount of stairs to climb in one session, Stadium Stomp Eden Park will be the biggest stair-climbing event in the country.

The Stomp is not a competition or a race, but a test of stamina and personal achievement. It's for people who want to challenge themselves, get fit and have fun.

"We are excited to bring Stadium Stomp to Eden Park, and allow people to experience this great venue in a completely different way," said event organiser Ben King.

"We're a non-competitive event, we don't time our participants and encourage all fitness levels to have a go. After all, there are plenty of seats to choose from if you get a little tired."

Stadium Stomp Eden Park will provide entrants with opportunity to take on the 5000-plus steps of the stadium while raising money for a nominated charity. Participants are encouraged to fundraise for the event's preferred charity, St John.

How it works

Participants will climb up, down and around the bays of Eden Park on a course set to music that is expected to take anywhere from 30-90 minutes to complete depending on fitness levels.

Staggered start or wave times begin from 8am to 10.15am to ensure the stairs don't become congested.

Anyone 12 years and older can enter as a team or individual and participants can choose their preferred wave time when registering.

Spectators can view the event free of charge via the designated spectator viewing area.

Stair climbing is an excellent way to build cardiorespiratory endurance and lower-body muscular endurance and strength.

All entrants receive a Stadium Stomp Eden Park medallion, access to Stadium Stomp exhibitor stands, free post-event massage service and more.

For further information go to www.stadiumstomp.co.nz.