600 climb Beijing's tallest building as part of the Vertical World Circuit
600 race to the top of Beijing's tallest building, part of a 'skyrunning' circuit that features some of the world's most-famous skyscrapers
Nearly 600 people, including four Hongkongers, joined a race to the top of the tallest building in Beijing yesterday as part of a competition featuring some of the world's best-known skyscrapers.
Germany's Thomas Dold came first, sprinting up the 82 flights - and 2,041 steps - to the observation deck of the China World Summit Wing hotel in nine minutes 55 seconds.
"Fortunately the weather was very nice," said 28-year old Dold. "The highlight is the fantastic view over Beijing when reaching the finish line. It makes the whole effort worthwhile."
Athletes from 22 countries and regions took part in the event, which was co-hosted by the Shangri-La hotels group and the International Skyrunning Federation. It was the fourth stop in the federation's "Vertical World Circuit" - races up buildings that define eight cities in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. The competition moves to Vietnam next and later to Singapore.
The Shangri-La Group's biggest shareholder is the Kerry Group, the controlling shareholder in SCMP Group, publisher of the South China Morning Post and Sunday Morning Post.
Gao Xiqing , vice-chairman of the China Investment Corporation, took part in the Beijing race, which he hoped would send a message.