By Alana Mitchelson
THE Aldred sisters will bond over a 1642 step hike to the top of Melbourne’s tallest skyscraper.
Pakenham’s Mary Aldred and her sister, Lucy, took part in the Eureka Climb last year and have been training throughout Pakenham and Upper Beaconsfield on the weekends in preparation.
The Eureka Climb challenges racers to 88 levels and 300 metres of vertical elevation up to the Eureka Tower’s level 88 Skydeck, the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere.
Last year’s climb took them just over half an hour.
“It’s something we like to do together,” Mary said.
“I found the climb really challenging, but it’s a nice thing to do on Sunday morning. It’s a great opportunity to do something fun and healthy.
“It’s Melbourne’s tallest building. You feel good sense of achievement and it’s a really rewarding view once you get to the top.“
The sisters’ favourite local training track is walking up the hill along Leppitt Road.
“It’s a massive hill. I feel like if you can climb that, then you can climb anything,” Mary said.
“At the top you do get a beautiful view of the shire too.”
There is a timed stairwell for those wishing to race against the clock and an un-timed stairwell for those who would prefer a more leisurely pace.
The Eureka Climb begins from 7am on Sunday 13 November. This year’s event will raise funds for Whitelion and Interplast charities.
For more information, visit www.eurekaclimb.com.au.
