German, Italian win HCM City vertical run

HCM CITY — Germany's Thomas Dold won the men's professional category at the Bitexco Vertical Run, held for the first time at the Bitexco Financial Tower on Sunday in HCM City.

Dold conquered the tower which is named as one of the world's most iconic skyscrapers by CNNGo.com after a run of 4min 20sec.

"Even though it was only 135m, it really challenged me. After the 35th floor, I really got tired," the German 27 year-old told Viet Nam News as he finished the race at the 49th floor.

"The building is in good condition and tall enough to make a good tower run. I do not know the reason why I would not come back. I am definitely sure hundreds of people will compete next year," he added.

Italian Emanuele Manzi came second with a time of 5:27.4, while Nguyen Ngoc Quang of Viet Nam was third with a time of 5:30.9.

Manzi said that he was happy with second place because he felt that Dold was impossible to beat.

In the women's race, Italy's Valentina Belotti came out on top as she reached the end at 6:19.8. Melissa Moon was second in 6:34.8 and Bridget Robertson third with a time of 6:59.6.

Belotti said the race was not easy because he had to beat the heat.

"But I'm happy to win here after having won in the Taipei 101 building competition in June. I hope to come back next year."

Moon said that Valentina had beaten her before. "So it was good for me to come close to her. I am happy," said Moon. — VNS