World champion Tower Runner, Soh Wai Ching from Malaysia, has confirmed he will be taking part in his second RNLI Tower Run in London this October and this time he has one aim - to beat his previous record.  

The RNLI Tower Run, which takes place on Saturday 12 October, is the tallest and toughest ever in the UK.

The event has already attracted more than 200 competitors who will run, walk or crawl 1,500 steps over 58 floors to the top of 22 Bishopsgate to raise funds to pay for the charity's 24/7 lifesaving service.

Soh Wai Ching, 30, from Petaling Jaya near Kuala Lumpur is currently ranked Number one in the World, a title he has been maintaining for two and a half years.

In May he became World Champion following the Taipei 101 vertical marathon.

He is also Founder and the Secretary of Malaysia Towerrunning Association (MTA). 

He said: "To me, back in 2022, I didn't achieve my best time, so I personally think it's unfinished business.

"I think the time can still be improved and faster; set the bar higher so it stays there for a long time."

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Wai Ching hopes to complete the 2024 RNLI Tower Run in 6.45 minutes, seven seconds faster than his performance in 2022.

He will be well warmed up for it - having taken on the Empire State Building Run-Up in New York just three days before.

RNLI Senior Community Manager Adam Clarke said: 'We are delighted Wai Ching has signed up to take part in his second RNLI Tower Run.

"He is an amazing athlete, and it will be extraordinary to see him beat his previous time."

The run's location holds particular significance for the RNLI as it stands on the very site of the London Tavern where the institution was founded in 1824.

Now, 200 years after that event, the charity that saves lives at sea is calling on supporters to return to this historic spot to help the RNLI continue saving lives at sea.

Since opening on the Thames in 2002, the station's lifeboats have launched more than 18,000 times and saved more than 650 lives, helping not only people in danger on the water, but also those trapped on the foreshore.

"Our crews are always racing to save lives on the Thames so it would give us a tremendous boost to know supporters are also stepping up to this extraordinary challenge to help us continue," said Tower Station Manager Kevin Maynard.

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"It seems really fitting that this event is taking place where the RNLI first started."

Those making it to the top floors will be treated to incredible uninterrupted views across London and will also be able to toast their success at a special reception celebrating their fundraising efforts.

People can still sign up to race as there are places remaining or can support the event, even if they aren't running, by donating through the just giving page.

There are 238 RNLI lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland, including one in Teddington.

The Teddington RNLI station opened in 2002.

The Teddington RNLI station opened in 2002 (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

It was established after the 1989 Marchioness disaster, when two vessels collided on the Thames and 51 people died. 

The Teddington RNLI station is one of the busiest in the country, with a crew of over 30 volunteers. 

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The crew are required to live or work within three minutes of the station and respond to a pager 24/7. 

They are also supported by land-based volunteers, including an education team, fundraising team, and water safety team.