Mark Bourne, 2014 Shanghai race winner. (c)Sporting Republic
The seventh leg of the Vertical World Series staged a hugely successful event on Sunday up the Sun Hung Kai Properties landmark tower in Shanghai, Two Shanghai International Finance Centre. The 1,200 participants scaled 1,460 steps up 57 floors in the SHKP Vertical Run for Charity.
Australia’s Mark Bourne, 2013 VWC Champion and winner at Taipei, was first man at the top in 7’55”. Australia’s Suzy Walsham, three-times VWC Champion, took the women’s title in 9’20” and continues to lead the eight-race circuit after four straight wins.
In the men’s field, Poland’s Piotr Lobodzinski maintains his ranking leadership after three circuit wins and two second positions, he was just 15” behind Bourne. Australian Darren Wilson was third in 8’25”, Spaniard Ignacio Torres fourth and Belgian Omar Bekkali fifth.
Suzy Walsham, Shanghai winner
Two excellent places in the women’s field went to China with Gan Xue closing in 9’54” and Zhand Hui Ji third in 11’01”. Fourth lady was Australia’s Cynthia Reid and Italy’s Cristina Bonacina was fifth. Gan Xue is ranked second at this semi-final behind Walsham and Bonacina who lies in third position.
For the first time the Shanghai race has featured on the Vertical World Circuit after the resounding success last year of the “sister” event in Hong Kong, which represented the circuit final. The SHKP Vertical Run for Charity – Race to Hong Kong ICC will again star as the VWC grand finale and take place on December 7 at Hong Kong’s International Commerce Centre (Hong Kong ICC).
Deputy General Manager Rick Man said: “I am delighted that the SHKP Vertical Run for Charity – Race to Shanghai IFC becomes part of the popular international sporting event. The VWC’s selection of Shanghai as a tournament venue is the first time this worldwide competition has been held here. We have created a dynamic slogan for the race that reflects our support for people to seek a more robust, motivated lifestyle while at the same time contributing to children’s healthcare charities. The event’s setting at the Shanghai IFC, one of SHKP’s landmark developments, calls white collars’ attention to pursuing a more active lifestyle and children’s healthcare aside from their busy work lives.”
Shanghai winners
Different race categories included Corporate Relay with 50 teams, Individual and Elite as well as a Fun Climb. As this is a charitable event, all donations are given to the Shanghai Children’s Health Foundation.
The afternoon saw many first-time vertical runners, devoting their time and energy toward a healthier lifestyle and to charity.
Anticipation mounts now for the 2014 Vertical World Circuit grand finale on December 7. with the third edition of the SHKP Vertical Run for Charity – Race to Hong Kong ICC where the VWC champions will be crowned.