Trial race attracts international athletes

HCM CITY — More than 500 athletes are expected to participate in the first-ever vertical run to be held on Sunday at HCM City's tallest building, the Bitexco Financial Tower, included on CNNGo's list of 20 iconic skyscrapers in the world.

Participants will climb 1,002 steps to a height of 178m leading to the tower's observation desk on the 49th floor, where they will be rewarded with spectacular views of HCM City's skyline and the Sai Gon River.

The run has been selected as a trial race for the 2011 Vertical World Circuit (VWC), where the top runners will be vying for a total cash prize of US$5,000.

The first-prize male and female winners will each receive $1,500 and gain crucial points to be declared the world champion at the end of the year.

In addition to an overall cash prize, the three fastest runners in each category will receive a trophy, a limited edition Adidas sports bag and drink bottle.

The first place winners of each category will receive a pair of Adidas newly launched Adizero Feather running shoes.

The inaugural event will feature a mix of two-thirds locals, and one-third tourists and expatriates from 24 countries, hailing from as far away as the UK and Canada.

Among the elite athletes, the reigning male and female vertical world champions Thomas Dold of Germany and Melissa Moon of New Zealand will be in Viet Nam for the first time in a bid to defend their world titles.

Dold has won 27 straight stair races, including the Empire State Building Run-Up in New York City, which he has won six times.

New Zealander Melissa Moon, also a two-time world mountain-running champion, won the Empire State Building race in New York City last year on her first try. — VNS