On Sunday 4 June, 2023 Greg Osborn, aged 72, will attempt to stair climb the grandstands of the MCG in a challenge involving over 7300 stairs as part of Stadium Stomp – The Ultimate Stair Climbing Challenge.

The journey to get to this point began when Greg, a Taylors Lakes resident, was 58 years of age and 130kg. After a wakeup call motivated him to take action, Greg lost 35kg in one year and ran his first marathon at 60 years of age. Since then, Greg has run 13,180km, completed 22 Marathons, 99 half marathons, thirteen 30km fun runs, and nine Eureka Climbs to name a few of his challenges.

In 2023 he’ll be undertaking his ninth Stadium Stomp at the MCG.

“When I was at my heaviest, I realised that “That one day” could be getting close and I didn’t want to waste any more time. While my body still works, I’ll keep moving it, because I’m here, and I can,“ says Greg. His active lifestyle has enabled Greg to keep his weight down. He’s currently 90kg and is aiming for 85kg with the help of stair climbing.

Greg, will join thousands of participants stair climbing the MCG at Stadium Stomp in June, and every one of them has a reason for taking on the epic challenge. “Greg’s story caught our eye because he’s simply remarkable. To begin all those challenges in his senior years when most of us are winding down is very inspiring! It shows what can be achieved if you set your mind to it and we’re thrilled he’ll be joining us again this year, says Stadium Stomp Marketing Manager, Susie King.

Thousands of people take part in the annual Stadium Stomp stair climbing series around the country with events in Melbourne (MCG), Brisbane (The GABBA), Adelaide (Adelaide Oval) and Sydney (SCG and Allianz Stadium combined), but it’s Melbourne’s MCG that draws the biggest crowd.

The sheer size of the MCG and the number of stairs within it, makes for a formidable challenge but not an insurmountable one. If Greg, at age 72 can go on to do another Stadium Stomp, it proves that age is just a number.

“I hope to be doing this into my 80’s,” Greg said.

Tickets to stair climb the MCG  or any of the Stadium Stomp events are available through this website. Courses range in length from 7700 to 600 stairs, venue dependant.

Related:

7 Step Guide for Beginner Stair Climbers

7 things about stair climbing that may surprise you

How fit are you? Take the Stairs Test