Vertical Summer 100K Challenge

The Challenge

Join the challenge to run 100,000 vertical feet in New York City from Memorial Day to Labor Day and win a free limited-edition tee. Last year, only ten participants completed the challenge, but a lot was learned. This year, those learnings are being carried forward and shared to help more runners complete the challenge.

Rules

All activities must be logged on Strava as a Run, Hike or Walk.

Activities on treadmills, stair climbers or similar equipment and machines are prohibited. Note, using fixed stairs or inclines (indoor or outdoor) to log elevation with a run, hike or walk is permitted. This new rule is based on group feedback from last year.

At least 50,000 vertical feet must be logged in New York City. Activity location will be verified upon completion. (Hint: Use this rule to your advantage. If you log 50,000 feet outside New York City and an average of ~500 vertical feet per day inside New York City, you will successfully complete the challenge.)

How to Join

Due to limitations set by Strava, you must be invited to the challenge. Share your Strava ID (the numerical digits in your Strava profile URL) via the comments, DM or email and you will be invited to the challenge. The challenge is only available to Strava subscribers. Once accepted into the challenge, you can invite others. We apologize for the extra steps but this is the protocol set by Strava.

Updated: May 25, 2026