‘Sky run’ to be held at South Korea’s tallest tower

Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea, will organise an international vertical running competition next month, as part of its public relations campaign to promote its status as the country’s most famous landmark, Lotte Corp. said Sunday.

On April 23, the 555-metre skyscraper will host the 2017 Lotte World Tower International Sky Run, attracting keen attention from professional and amateur runners in Korea and elsewhere, according to the company, which oversees the construction and management of Korea’s tallest structure.

The participants will have to climb up 2,917 stairs from the first floor to the 123rd where an observation deck is located.

Among professional athletes, the top three male and female runners will receive a total of US$10,000 in prize money and trophies.

For amateurs, the first will be given Lotte gift certificates worth 1.23 million won (US$1,070). The second will be awarded a one-night voucher at Lotte Tower’s six-star hotel, Signiel, and the third to finish receives a 200,000 won (US$173) prepaid card issued by Lotte Duty Free.

Lotte Corp. said anyone aged 18 to 65 can take part in the event, certificated by the International Skyrunning Federation. Those interested can apply through the Lotte World Tower website from March 6 to 24. Only the first 1,000 people who sign up will be allowed to participate in the competition with a 30,000 won (US$26) entry fee.

“We will donate entry fees to Child Fund Korea to support young sports prodigies from low-income families,” Lotte Corp. CEO Park Hyun-cheol said. “We encourage people to take part in this unique event to test their limits and feel a sense of accomplishment.”