Marino Giacometti, ISF President, launches 2017 VWC. ©Mike Jardeleza
The International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) is pleased to announce the 2017 Vertical World Circuit calendar today, direct from New York City.
Celebrating nine years of activity, the skyscraper racing circuit continues its upward climb. The circuit now counts ten races valid for the VWC ranking which awards the World Champion titles and end-of-season cash prizes.
Today, the 2017 Vertical World Circuit calendar launched in New York City with the third annual Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb Press Conference held in One World Observatory which is housed in the tallest skyscraper in the western hemisphere and fourth-highest in the world, One World Trade Center.
This extraordinary location, built to commemorate 9/11, will host the T2T Tower Climb on June 4th representing the fourth stage of the tour.
Marino Giacometti, President of the International Skyrunning Federation which sanctions the VWC commented: “We’re proud and excited to have the One World Trade Center on the circuit – the highest to date! Needless to say, the race and the Stephen Siller Foundation are an enormous inspiration. We’re very pleased to have our champion Suzy Walsham here with us and to work all together to build an extraordinary event, this year and in the years to come.”
One World Trade Center, location of the T2T. ©VWC
John Hodge, Chief Operating Officer of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and race organiser, announced today that the annual “Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb Honoring Captain Billy Burke” will be part of the 2017 Vertical World Circuit.
“We’re very honored that our event will be a part of the prestigious Vertical World Circuit calendar,” he remarked. “We’re looking outside, further afield and it’s fitting that elite athletes from around the world will be climbing up One World Trade Center to grow the race to international level.”
The event is limited to 1,000 participants who will be joined by a select number of elites competing in the Vertical World Circuit including five-time VWC World Champion Suzy Walsham from Australia who participated at the conference today where she announced she will be lining-up on June 4th to compete.
Suzy Walsham, 5-times VWC Champion, T2T Press Conference. ©Mike Jardeleza
“ I’m thrilled to be here for the launch of the One World Tower Climb and the 2017 Vertical World Circuit.” She stated. “It’s quite emotional to be here, to hear the stories and to think you’re climbing up something …that’s gone. This is a rebirth. You can feel the positivity in the tower, in the Stephen Stiller Foundation and to see athletes that are a lot more challenged than I am, is all so incredibly inspirational,” added Walsham.
Speaking on behalf of every single runner, she concludes: “I’m always looking for new challenges, in particular a big challenge from a physical and mental perspective, but I know I’ll have a great sense of achievement when I reach the top!”
2017 Vertical World Circuit
DUBAI: Dubai Holding SkyRun – March 3
LONDON: Shelter Vertical Rush – March 9
PARIS: VertiGO – May 18
NEW YORK: T2T Tower Climb – June 4
MANILA: Kerry Sports Manila Vertical Run – July 2
BEIJING: China World Summit Wing Hotel Vertical Run – August 26
SYDNEY: Sydney Tower Stair Challenge – August 27
SHANGHAI: SHKP Vertical Run for Charity – Race to Shanghai IFC – October 22
OSAKA: Harukas Skyrun – November 12
HONG KONG: SHKP Vertical Run for Charity – Race to Hong Kong ICC – December 3
VWC races
VWC rules
VWC ranking
About Vertical World Circuit
Launched in 2009, the Vertical World Circuit stretches across the globe from the heart of Europe to America, Oceania and Asia. The ten-race circuit scores points for the ranking where results of five races are counted.
About International Skyrunning Federation
High altitude, whether in the mountains or the city, is the arena of the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF), which governs, promotes and sanctions skyrunning (high altitude mountain running) and skyscraper racing worldwide and has carried out medical research on the subject.
www.skyrunning.com