Published: July 2010

Even for the physically fit, it's hard to run up just a few flights of stairs and not have your legs feel like jelly or your lungs ready to burst – it's certainly nothing to look forward to.

But 75-year old Martin Pinzon, who is part of the cleaning crew here at 787, is a stair-racing enthusiast who looks forward to every March so he can tackle dozens of flights and play his part in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis. This year, his dedication to the cause and his love of running has made him a winner.

In the 2010 MS Climb to the Top held at 30 Rock. Martin raced up the historic tower's 66 flights of stairs to beat his fourth place finish last year and come in first place among all participants in his over-65 age group. Add to that history the fact that he is the oldest competitor in the race, and that in a field of 777 other competitors, he posted a faster time than 435 other runners, many of whom were half his age. (Martin ran his race in less time than if takes the average American to walk a mile on level ground.)

Double Win
His outstanding run was also a success for the charity. This year, donations from friends and family raised more than twice as much as last year, totaling $2,375 fro the MS foundation.

Martin's workout secret may be 787 Seventh itself – he always takes the stairs if he can help it. He loves running and he loves his job; it's multi-tasking at its best. And we salute Martin for the excellent example he sets for all of us.