Race up Sydney Tower to support autism

More than 800 people have raced up the stairs of Sydney Tower to raise about $130,000 for a charity that helps children with autism.

Steve "The Commando" Willis, Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic and Channel V presenter Danny Clayton were among celebrities, people in fancy dress and elite runners who charged up the 1504 steps on Sunday morning.

Defending champion Mark Bourne won the 250m race to the top in seven minutes 11 seconds, just outside the record of 6:53, with Suzy Welsham again the first woman to cross the line in 8:46.