Reigning Vertical World Champions Piotr Lobodzinski of Poland and Suzy Walsham of Australia are set to race at the inaugural Kerry Sports Manila Vertical Run in a bid to defend their world titles, when the race takes place on August 14.
Hundreds of participants are expected to take part in the event held at the iconic Shangri-la at the Fort, Manila to compete in their respective age groups and to cheer on Lobodzinski, Walsham and the international runners taking part in the elite race. Facing the challenge of running up 1,300 steps to a height of 250 metres, the race finishes at the building’s penthouse on the top floor, where participants will be able to enjoy the views of Manila’s skyline.
Sanctioned by the International Skyrunning Federation, the event has been selected as Official Race of the 2016 Vertical World Circuit (VWC), the world’s premier skyscraper racing circuit, uniting some of the world’s most iconic skyscraper races, including Beijing’s China World Summit Wing and London’s Tower 42. The elite runners participating at the Kerry Sports Manila Vertical Run will gain crucial points to determine who will be crowned world champion at the end of the year.
Lobodzinski is the undisputed king of stair climbing, and won five of his six races on the 2015 Vertical World Circuit.
Walsham, a former Australia national running champion, is no stranger to running in Asia, winning previously in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong and looks ready for a good time in what will only be her second race on the Vertical World Circuit this year.
“I’m looking forward to racing in Manila for the first time,” Walsham said.
“The participation of such high profile athletes ensures that we are on track with our plans in growing the race into a premier running event not just locally but also internationally,” said Race Director David Shin.
“We are pleased to be bringing the Vertical World Circuit to Manila for the first time and look forward to continuing to be a part of the circuit next year and into the future. We are excited to see the amazing times the elite runners will record,” he added.
Kerry Sports Manila Vertical Run
Vertical World Circuit ranking
Official Event Website: www.manilverticalrun.com