4 World Trade Center hosts 72 floor tower climb for charity; about 700 expected to participate

4 World Trace Center, New York in 2013. (Wikipedia photo)

NEW YORK – It’s a scramble to the top.

About 700 people will be taking the long way up to the 72nd floor at 4 World Trade Center on Thursday evening – hiking up the stairs.

The event is called the “Runyon Up,” a fundraiser for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

Elite climbers will lead off the event. The general field will go up after that, with climbers heading off one at a time every few seconds.

Participants can either do a full climb, all 72 floors, or a partial climb to the 54th floor. There’s also a virtual climb, for those who want to take the elevator to the 54th floor.

Tower climbs are held in high-profile buildings around the world, including the Empire State Building.

The event is sanctioned, unlike a recent spate of thrill-seekers making unauthorized visits to the site.

Sixteen-year-old Justin Casquejo, of Weehawken, N.J., was arrested last month after getting through a hole in the fence surrounding the 104-story 1 World Trade Center and taking the elevator to the spire.

On Wednesday, a judge decided Casquejo would be assessed in a program for youthful offenders. He faces charges including criminal trespass.

In another incident, three people parachuted from the building in September, producing a video of their jump.