The Leonardo to Host Inaugural CHARNAUD® Race to the Top: Celebrating South Africa’s Firefighting Heroes
02 December 2025

The Leonardo, South Africa’s tallest building and one of the continent’s most recognisable architectural landmarks, is proud to host the inaugural CHARNAUD® Race to the Top on 6 December 2025. This landmark event will see 50 of South Africa’s top firefighters ascend all 57 floors of the tower in full protective gear – an extraordinary test of fitness, endurance and commitment.

The Race to the Top was developed through close collaboration between CHARNAUD®, The Leonardo and members of the firefighting community. The concept was first sparked when CHARNAUD® received feedback from Gauteng firefighters who had been climbing The Leonardo’s staircase as part of their endurance training. The synergy between South Africa’s leading protective gear innovators and Africa’s tallest building made the partnership a natural fit.

“As The Leonardo, we are honoured to provide the stage for this remarkable challenge,” says Adrian Landry, General Manager of The Leonardo. “These brave men and women are the unsung heroes who protect communities across our country. Hosting them in our building is a privilege, and we are proud to celebrate their courage, resilience and public service.”

As part of CHARNAUD®’s 50-year milestone celebrations, each firefighter competing in the event will receive a CHARNAUD® FIRE-SAFE® AIR-LITE® Bunker Suit, which they will keep after the challenge. The customised suits feature a commemorative 50th anniversary emblem within a Maltese Cross, along with the South African flag — a symbol of pride already resonating strongly with the competitors.

Race day will begin at 07h00 with staggered starts, supported by Netcare medical personnel and Mines Rescue Services. A rooftop prize-giving ceremony will honour the top male and female finishers. For safety and operational reasons, the event will be closed to the public, with access restricted to competitors, accredited media and authorised personnel.

The Leonardo is proud to play a central role in celebrating the spirit of service, athleticism and unity embodied by the firefighting community — hosting an event that recognises those who protect South Africans every day, often without recognition.

About Legacy
Legacy is a leading, private hospitality group with a wide range of owned and managed hotels, resorts, residences and restaurants across South Africa, Namibia and Gabon.

Established in 1999, Legacy was built with a deep passion for South Africa and its founders have consistently demonstrated this by their ongoing investment into the country. Starting with just one property in the Pilanesberg area, the company now caretakes 15 properties in SA and 3 into Africa, employs approximately 2,200 people and reinvests within the communities it operates through Legacy Pride, its NGO initiative.

A Legacy property is not just a place to stay, it is a story of commitment – to country, community, staff and guests.

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