International vertical run debuts in Beijing

German Thomas Dold celebrates being the first man to finish the Beijing Vertical Marathon [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

German runner Thomas Dold and Australian Suzy Walsham respectively claimed first place in the men's and women's vertical marathon in Beijing on Saturday, the first such event held in the Chinese mainland.

The marathon, attracting more than 600 runners from home and abroad, was held at the 330-meter, 82-floor China World Trade Center Tower 3, a landmark office, hotel and retail behemoth jutting out of the heart of Beijing's Central Business District.

Dold completed the race in 9 minutes and 55 seconds, while Walsham claimed the women's title in just 11 minutes and 47 seconds.

The participants started racing from the skyscraper's lobby, climbing all the way up to the rooftop and trying to over the Beijing's highest building as quick as possible. 79-year-old Li Xingyuan from China was the oldest runner in Saturday's race.

The Beijing race is the fourth leg of the 2013 Vertical World Circuit organized by International Skyrunning Federation, which includes the Empire State Building in New York City and Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

Runners race for the top during the Beijing Vertical Marathon at the China World Summit Wing Hotel of the World Trade Center Tower 3 in Beijing on August 3, 2012. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]