Rolf Majcen
Runners will be hitting the stairs of Hanoi’s Landmark 72 on Saturday for the Hanoi Vertical Run, where hundreds of participants have registered to conquer the tallest skyscraper in the nation’s capital.
Vietnam’s only stair climbing race has been selected as an Exhibition Race on the 2015 Vertical World Circuit (VWC), the world’s premier skyscraper racing circuit, uniting some of the world’s most iconic skyscraper races, including the Empire State Building Run-Up in New York City.
Participants will begin their challenge in the lobby of Landmark 72, Vietnam’s tallest tower, and once the race begins, ascend a total of 350 meters to the observation deck of the 72nd floor. Participants who manage to complete the 1,914-step climb will be rewarded with a stunning view of Hanoi’s skyline.
Heading the men’s race is Rolf Majcen of Austria. Majcen is one of Europe’s best known of stair climbers and is the reigning champion of the prestigious Great Wall Marathon in Beijing, China.
Meanwhile, an equally competitive women’s field square off for the title. Cindy Reid of Australia assumes the mantle as pre-race favourite. Reid is no stranger to the VWC, winning the female open division at the 2014 VWC Grand Finale in Hong Kong and looks ready for a good time in what will only be her second race of the year.
The previous edition in 2013 saw the race won in 9 minutes 55 seconds by Thomas Dold of Germany. As for the women’s division, Suzy Walsham of Australia climbed to victory and reached the top in 11 minutes and 46 seconds.
Eight races stretch across the globe in the Vertical World Circuit – from New York, to the heart of Europe in London and Paris and on to Asia in Beijing and Shanghai, concluding in Hong Kong in December where the 2015 VWC champions will be crowned.
Event Website: www.runhanoi.com