The Carrera Vertical Bomberos de Madrid takes participants directly up Torre Emperador Castellana, a prominent skyscraper in Madrid. This yearly vertical race focuses on climbing: 1,320 stairs, a 225-meter elevation gain, and a finish at the 55th floor. The competition offers solo and pairs categories for general participants, alongside firefighter categories where competitors use E2+ERA equipment or form four-person teams with similar protective gear.
The event hosts over 100 professional firefighters alongside more than 700 general runners, distinguishing it from typical stair climbs. All participants aim for the quickest ascent of the same tower, but the firefighter divisions introduce a practical challenge, as the equipment significantly increases the demands on speed and endurance. A special Gymkana event for individuals and teams is also part of the race. This, its tenth edition, signifies the event's established place in Madrid's running schedule.