Record intact as brave climbers take to stairs

They're mad, I tells ya, mad.

It was a human express elevator straight up at Durie Hill yesterday afternoon as 32 of the not-so reasonably minded raced up and down the 350 steps on the 100 vertical metre walkway for the Stair Racing challenge at the New Zealand Masters Games.

As if to exacerbate matters, in the world of Stair Racing there are strict rules you must touch every step on both the ascent and descent.

Also give your name and number to the marshall at the top, in that order, and if you're short of breath you stay there until a clear answer can be ascertained.

As expected, "Mountain Goat" Kerry Bennett was the fastest man, completing the journey in 6 minutes, 38 seconds.

Pat Taylor, 67, was the remarkable story of the event as the fastest woman, finishing in nine minutes 33 seconds.

However, the record of five minutes, 42 seconds still hangs their for another brave and barmy soul to attempt in two years.

Winners results:

Women's 70+: Antonia Bloem (Papakura); 60+: Pat Taylor (Tauranga); 50+: Beverley Braybrook (Lower Hutt); 40+: Jen Fee (Palmerston North); 30+: Paula Fore (Wanganui).

Men's 70+: Leon Carter (Wanganui); 60+: Allan Caird (Wanganui); 50+: Peter Lamont (Gisborne); 40+: Kerry Bennett (Wanganui); 30+: Caleb Koia-Hamling (Paeroa).