VWC champions Thomas Dold post race
Reigning Vertical World Circuit champion Thomas Dold of Germany won the Hanoi Vertical Run Sunday, September 15, setting the fastest overall time up Landmark 72 – Vietnam’s tallest building.
Winning the event is Dold’s second outright victory on this year’s Vertical World Circuit, earning him 100 points on the men’s ranking. The 29-year old German finished in a time of 9 minutes and 14 seconds, a new course record.
“It was a great race here at Landmark 72. I’m very glad that I could win the second race here in Hanoi. It was my second race in Vietnam and my second victory. I’m absolutely glad to be able to win this wonderful race,” Dold said.
“It was a tough race here. Mark Bourne from Australia, who won the race in New York in February when I was sick, was very strong. I took the lead around the 17th floor and then I kept pushing for the last 250 metres.” he added. The German raised his arms as he crossed the tape then collapsed on floor, exhausted.
VWC champion Suzy Walsham crosses the finish line in record time
Mark Bourne placed second, just 10 seconds behind, clocking 9 minutes and 24 seconds. Belgian Omar Bekkali, who set the course record last year in 10’06”, placed third in 10 minutes and 36 seconds.
Super-strong Australian Suzy Walsham, VWC reigning champion, climbed to victory, finishing in 10 minutes 51 seconds, beating New Zealand’s Melissa Moon by 1 minute and 14 seconds and bettering her 2012 record time by 29”.
“I’m very pleased with my victory and it was wonderful to be back again in Hanoi.” she said. “It was the biggest building I’ve raced in all year but I felt a bit better than last year so I was very pleased.
Race Results
Men
1. Thomas Dold (GER) – 9’14”
2. Mark Bourne (AUS) – 9’24”
3. Omar Bekkali (BEL) – 10’36”
Women
1. Suzy Walsham (AUS) – 10’51”
2. Melissa Moon (NZL) – 12’05”
3. Sara Valentina (INA) – 15’32”
Official Event Website: www.hanoirun.com