New York Real Estate Developer to Compete in Annual Empire State Building Run Up

NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Real estate developer Elie Hirschfeld today announced that he will participate in the Empire State Building Run Up on Tuesday, February 1 to raise money for the Team for Kids organization. Empire State Building Run Up is an annual race up the stairs of the tallest building in New York City. Racers must climb up 1,576 steps- about a quarter a mile above Fifth Avenue- to the 86th floor Observatory deck. It is the world's most famous "vertical marathon."

Participation is limited due to the space constraints. Mr. Hirschfeld, who turned 60 last year, will compete against the All-Star Mets outfielder, Darryl Strawberry and 98 other participants. Mr. Hirschfeld trains by competing in triathlons through out the year such as Israman Ironman Triathlon, the Mooseman N.H. Half Ironman, the NYC Marathon, the Paris France Triathlon, the Brooklyn Bridge East River Swim and the Top of Rock Center Run Up. As the owner of Sports Club LA East Building, Mr. Hirschfeld has lots of access to keep in shape. His friend and business associate Donald Trump also granted special permission for Mr. Hirschfeld to train up and down 90 stories of New York City's tallest residential tower: Trump World Tower at 845 U.N. Plaza.

Hirschfeld's other leg up on Strawberry is that Hirschfeld will be competing in his home turf. As a real estate developer, Hirschfeld developed the nearby Manhattan Mall and co-owned Hotel Pennsylvania for 25 years. And when his competitors drive to the race, they will be parking their cars in Empire State Garage, which Hirschfeld built.

Empire State Building Run Up is more than a grueling race, it is a charity event. This is the first year that the race has included a charity partner. Mr. Hirschfeld will be running for Team for Kids as part of a committed group of adult runners from around the world who add meaning to their miles by raising funds on behalf of New York Road Runners youth services. He hopes to inspire others to keep in shape and compete in races that give back.

For more information please visit www.HirschfeldNYC.com

About Elie Hirschfeld

President and CEO of Hirschfeld Properties since 1997, Elie Hirschfeld has dedicated his professional life to real estate development planning and implementation. Since joining the company in 1976, Mr. Hirschfeld's projects have included the development of prominent New York City properties such as the Grand Sutton, the Hotel Pennsylvania, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and Park Avenue Court.

Mr. Hirschfeld is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the company and leading all aspects of development including new project analysis, lease marketing and negotiation, legal strategies, and architectural and construction management. Elie Hirschfeld directed Hirschfeld Properties, LLC into partnerships with other distinguished real estate development firms such as the Zeckendorf Organization, the Donald Trump Organization, The Silverstein Organization, Empire Realty Group, Belz Enterprises of Memphis and the shopping mall development group, The Mel Simon Organization.

Additionally, Hirschfeld is an avid sportsman, having completed the New York City Marathon and the New York City Triathlon several times, and the Mighty Hamptons Triathlon for the last twenty consecutive years.

SOURCE Elie Hirschfeld