Just over a month to go until runners will descend on Tower 42 in the city of London for the Vertical Rush – the challenge to race up its 920 stairs.

Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne has given his support of the event to take place on 19 March 2009.

The feat, to raise money for housing charity Shelter, is race as quickly as possible up the tallest building in the City of London.

Peter Merrett, general manager of Tower 42 said: ‘Tower 42 has always taken an innovative approach to life in the City of London and this latest venture, working with Shelter to host the first stair-running challenge in the UK, is an interesting and unique way for our customers and guests to get involved and challenge their colleagues, industry peers and even the Property Week team to achieve the fastest time!’

Alan Gosschalk, Shelter’s director of fundraising said: ‘As the financial crisis really starts to hit home, Shelter is seeing more and more people turning to us for help, but the more demand for our services the more funding we need.'

You can take part as an individual or as a team of up to five people.