A MARS Petcare security officer will have the ultimate view after taking part in a race to the top of Melbourne’s tallest building next month.
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Jeff Paini, 61, has enjoyed the annual Eureka Tower climb on three previous occasions but admitted it never gets any easier.
The November 16 event will see participants walk, run or climb the 1642 stairs to level 88’s Skydeck — the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere.
“You hit a wall by about the 60th floor,” Mr Paini said.
“It takes a while to get momentum back after that.”
Mr Paini is taking part to keep up his fitness and spend some quality time with his son, Simon Paini, and daughter-in-law, Lauren Paini, who live in Melbourne.
The trio will compete as a team that also includes Simon’s friend, Colin Quinn.
“While everyone has their own method to tackle the stairs, I’m the turtle of the team,” Mr Paini said.
“I walk up the stairs, but without stopping, bursting out at the top to sprint to the finish line.”
The event is one of the highest vertical races in the world.
Last year, the race raised more than $250,000 and the money will go to Whitelion and Interplast Australia and New Zealand, helping disadvantaged young people.
Among other Border residents taking part include Michael Payne and Jacinta Kellow, of Leneva, and Rutherglen’s Shannon Beacom.