Updated: Thursday, 07 February 2013 16:42 | By Agence France-Presse

Aussie wins race to top of Empire State Building

Australian Mark Bourne has won the 36th race to the top of the Empire State Building, dethroning seven-time champ Thomas Dold of Germany, who was ill.

Bourne, 29, of Canberra, was first to the top late Wednesday, tearing up the stairs of the 86-story tower in 10 minutes and 12 seconds, trailed by compatriot Darren Wilson (10:45) and American Rickey Gates (11:01).

"I'm very happy to win. It was pretty hectic at the start," Bourne said. "I was not first from the beginning. I was second, third, second and at the 60th floor I took the lead."

On the women's side, it was more Aussie glory as Singapore-based Australian Suzy Walsham came in first, making it her fourth win.

Walsham, 39, clocked 12 minutes and 5 seconds, trailed by Aussie Brooke Logan (12:48) and American Erika Aklufi (12:57).

The dethroned Dold said a virus kept him out of the competition this year, but that "I have 364 days to think about" the next one.