Empire State Building 'Run Up' an 'Honor' for Cop

Depending on the person doing it, walking up more than five flights of stairs is a challenge. Bloomingdale resident Paul Tulli is about to try 86 and he is not planning to even walk-he will run.

Tulli was selected as one of 200 people to participate in the 2013 Empire State Building Run Up on Feb. 6. During the race, participants will run from the lobby level up.

"I will be competing against the best athletes on the planet, racing from the lobby to the 86th floor observatory deck," Tulli said.

Like many races of its nature, the Empire State Building Run Up encourages participants to run for a cause. Tulli will be representing the National Multiple Myeloma Foundation. The disease it supports is a form of blood cancer. During Tulli's fundraising for the race, 90 percent of proceeds will directly benefit research of the disease.

Tulli, 38, has been a police officer with the Dumont Police Department for 18 years. This is not the first time recently Tulli has tried to help others. Last month, Tulli collected holiday decorations to bring to families who lost most of their belongings after Superstorm Sandy.

Since then, and in coming weeks, Tulli will be preparing for the New York race.

"It's a privilege and an honor to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said.

Those looking to donate to Tulli's cause can visit his race page.