TK Elevator Towerrun: More than 1,250 Stair Runners Conquer Germany’s Highest Viewing Platform in Rottweil

Rottweil, September 22, 2025. For the sixth time, the TK Elevator Test Tower in Rottweil transformed into an international sports arena: On Sunday, more than 1,250 runners from 23 nations accepted the challenge of climbing 1,390 steps and 232 vertical meters. The diverse field included world-class athletes, firefighter teams, and ambitious amateurs – a true cross-generational event with participants ranging in age from seven to 76. At the top, everyone was rewarded with a unique sense of achievement and a breathtaking panoramic view from Germany’s highest observation deck, stretching across the Black Forest to the Alps. Representing the host company, 51 TK Elevator employees also took part.

“The TK Elevator Towerrun is a special experience every year and a powerful example of what determination and endurance can achieve. We are proud to host this international competition on Germany’s highest visitor platform and to welcome athletes from all over the world. With their perseverance and passion, the participants turn the Test Tower into a place where athletic performance meets innovative technology,” said Beate Höhnle, Tower Manager in Rottweil. Since opening in 2017, the landmark has become a popular regional attraction.

“For us, the TK Elevator Towerrun is a highlight of the stair-running calendar. Athletes bring not only incredible performances, but also energy and team spirit. That unique atmosphere is what makes this competition so special – and we are delighted to contribute to it with pulsschlag,” added Christian Dillschnitter, project manager at Cologne-based sports agency pulsschlag, which also organizes Germany’s largest firefighter stair race at the Cologne Tower.

The civilian elite race delivered high drama: In the women’s category, Sarah Seher from Konstanz climbed to victory, completing the course in 9:08 minutes – missing the course record of defending champion Verena Schmidt by just one second. Monika Carl (9:37) and Lara Elea Eckhardt (10:03) followed in second and third. Among the men, Christian Riedl reclaimed his 2023 title with a commanding win ahead of Simon Klöpfer (7:40) and Tobias Fischer (7:48).

Local heroes from Rottweil Fire Department secure second place in the men’s competition with breathing apparatus

Beyond hobby and pro athletes, numerous firefighters also rose to the challenge. Wearing heavy-duty gear of up to 25 kilograms including breathing apparatus, they competed in teams of two to conquer the tower. This toughest discipline of the Towerrun demanded everything from participants – while offering spectators a spectacular show at the sixth edition of the event.

In the men’s firefighter division with breathing apparatus, Christoph Groß and Philipp Großmann of Stuttgart’s professional fire brigade successfully defended their title in 15:18 minutes. Local heroes Gabriel Jäger and Benjamin Sigrist from Rottweil claimed second (15:30), followed by record holders Sven Reuter and Ferdinand Oser from Konstanz (15:45). In the women’s race, Pia Rimpel and Elisa Nestler triumphed in 20:48, ahead of Anna Lena Steurer and Julia Steppacher (22:32). Third place went to Jasmin Bohun and Theresa Maas (27:16).

In the category without breathing apparatus, last year’s winner Timo Bender, together with new partner Robin Scherle, topped the podium in 15:44 minutes. Second place went to Philipp Gürntke and Sven Theiss (15:55), with Lukas Mahler and Janis Hoffmann in third (16:45). Among the women, once again Pia Rimpel and Elisa Nestler proved unbeatable, winning in 19:58 minutes after already claiming victory in the breathing apparatus division. Second place went to Sina Gehring and Theresa Maas (24:00), followed by last year’s champions Jasmin Bohun and Petra Koch (25:23).