James Phan
The coolest race in the capital returns on Sunday September 15 – The Vertical Run to the top of the nation’s highest building Landmark 72 in the capital.
Just 1,914 steps are in the way of the finish line and whether you take it seriously or not – it won’t be easy. This is the race’s third outing and the second in the capital. The first was held at the Bitexco Tower in HCMC in 2011.
Unlike a half-marathon or 10k run, this is upward and mobile running at its toughest which walking up and down your two-storey staircase twice a day at home will not prepare you for. The event is now firmly part of the racing calendar in Vietnam with an estimated 500 competing to be crowned champion in an event that is staged in skyscrapers in cities around the world.
“One of the main objectives of the Landmark 72 Vertical Run is to promote Hanoi as a leading destination for competitive sports, business and tourism,” explains David Shin, director of organizers Sporting Republic.
Runners start off in groups of 10 to 15 at five minute intervals to avoid collisions. Each participant is equipped with an electronic timing chip that tracks their progress and provides the precise time the participant crosses the line. Most take 20 to 30 minutes, although top athletes can do it in 10.
Omar Bekkali of Belgium won the men’s elite division last year in the overall fastest time of 10 minutes and 6 seconds. Australia’s Suzy Walsham won the women’s elite division, finishing in 11 minutes 20 seconds. Last year there was US$5000 in prize money up for grabs.
If you are fit enough or bold enough, register online for just US$20. For more information, check out www.hanoirun.com.
Đăng ký: VietNam News