- Aug 13
- 3 min read
In the world of endurance sports, few athletes possess the sheer vertical tenacity of Troy R. Alston. Recently, the Tampa Bay region celebrated a milestone as Alston was officially certified by Atlas World Records for his latest feat: achieving the most documented stair-climbing race victories within a single state or province.
Between 2010 and 2026, Alston secured an astounding 70 victories across Florida, marking his third Atlas World Record and further solidifying his legacy as one of the most dominant stair climbers in the sport's history.
While Alston is known internationally for his athletic prowess, he leads a balanced life. By day, he serves as the Marketing Coordinator at St. Petersburg College. In this professional role, Alston applies his strategic expertise to help connect students and families with educational opportunities. His work in higher education marketing requires the same focus and leadership that he displays on the stairs.
Originally a track and field athlete, he began climbing stairs as a rigorous training exercise for the 400-meter hurdles. The explosive power and cardiovascular endurance required to conquer vertical inclines provided the perfect conditioning for the track.
However, what started as a supplement to his hurdles training soon evolved into a primary passion. He discovered a natural talent for the "vertical mile," and it wasn't long before he transitioned from the horizontal track to the skyscrapers of the world.
As the founder of StairClimbElite, Alston has turned his personal passion into a platform for elite vertical athletes. His evolution into an international athlete has been nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of his career, he has competed in more than 147 stair-climbing races across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
His resume includes establishing 50 course records, a testament to his consistency and speed across varied architectural landscapes. One of his most notable international achievements occurred at the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario. There, Alston shattered a 32-year-old course record, earning him the prestigious Key to the City and international recognition for his endurance.
Beyond the records and the accolades, Alston’s competitive drive is rooted in service. Throughout his 15-year career, he has prioritized charity events, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for critical causes.
He has been a fixture at events supporting the American Lung Association, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and The DONNA Foundation. For Alston, every step taken in a stairwell is an opportunity to support those facing their own uphill battles, particularly in the realm of health and pediatric research.
Maintaining an elite athletic career while working full-time in higher education is no small feat. Alston credits his success to discipline and a lifelong commitment to perseverance. Whether he is navigating the complex marketing landscape for St. Petersburg College or sprinting up the emergency exits of a 60-story skyscraper, his approach remains meticulous preparation and an unwavering drive to finish strong. This balance allows him to remain grounded in his community while representing the Tampa Bay region on the global stage.
The recent publication of his feature by Atlas World Records acts as a capstone to a remarkable decade and a half of competition. With 70 Florida victories now officially in the books, Alston shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to inspire both his colleagues in academia and his fellow athletes in the stairwell, proving that with leadership and dedication, one can truly reach the summit of multiple disciplines.