The Swissôtel Vertical Marathon, one of Asia’s most exhilarating vertical races, returns on Sunday, 20 November 2016. The highly anticipated vertical marathon will see participants scale the 226 metre Swissôtel The Stamford, to be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the Singapore skyline at the top.
Soaring 73 storeys above ground, Swissôtel The Stamford, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotels and a distinctive icon of Swiss hospitality in Singapore, has been the site for Asia’s pioneer and most challenging vertical marathon since its inception in 1987.
With the aim of inspiring a culture of sporting excellence locally and globally, the Swissôtel Vertical Marathon had humble beginnings of only 180 participants when it entered the sporting arena over two decades ago. Today, the country’s premier vertical race sees an annual participation of over 2,000 local and international stair runners.
Race Format
The crowd-pleasing Sunrise Team Challenge (limited to the first 100 pairs) will kick-start the day’s race categories at 6.30am where teams of two will compete to reach the top of Swissôtel The Stamford, to be greeted by the unparalleled views of the city skyline, set against a magnificent sunrise.
The Buddies & Besties Challenge, which has been well received since its debut in 2012, returns this year too to allow participants to bring along their number one supporter, every step of their climb to the top. Conquering 1,336 steps is no easy feat so having a motivational support alongside might make the challenge more manageable and meaningful.
Participants can also attempt to beat their competitors or personal timing in the Men’s and Women’s individual categories ranging from under 20 to above 50 years of age.
Companies are encouraged to sponsor a team or teams in support of a charitable cause under the Corporate Challenge.
Prizes and Awards
At the top of the league, elite athletes will pit their skills against the best in the Men’s and Women’s Open categories and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in each category will receive cash prizes of SG$1,000, SG$800 and SG$500 respectively, on top of a trophy each.
Top three winners of other categories will walk away with a trophy and other attractive prizes including room stays, and food and beverage vouchers.
The less competitive participants can also vie for special awards that are handed to the most creatively dressed participant and the oldest male and female participants.
All participants who successfully complete the vertical marathon will receive a personalised e-certificate and a commemorative finisher medal.
Expect An Epitome of World-Class Competition
Expect an epitome of world-class competition at this signature annual sporting event as international elite athletes and marathon enthusiasts conquer 1,336 steps in the fastest time possible.
The Swissôtel Vertical Marathon is one of the races selected for the Towerrunning Tour 2016, which positions Singapore alongside global skyscraper races, including the US Bank Tower in Los Angeles, California, Sydney Tower in Australia and Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand.
Governed by the strict guidelines and framework set out by the Towerrunning World Association which provides sports jurisdiction over international sporting events, the Swissôtel Vertical Marathon is one of the events which international elite runners participate in to garner points, culminating in their vying for the Towerrunning World Champion status.
Piotr Lobodzinski of Poland emerged champion last year with an impressive timing of 6 minutes 48 seconds, while veteran vertical marathon runner and Singapore Permanent Resident Suzanne Walsham retained her title as the women’s open champion with a time of 7 minutes and 46 seconds.
The average person takes between 15 to 20 minutes to complete the marathon.
Catch a glimpse of the last year’s race here:
The Swissôtel Vertical Marathon was mentioned by CNN as the most challenging race among 11 of the world’s coolest themed runs. Sign up now to be part of Asia’s most exhilarating vertical race! Registration will close on 31 October 2016 or when all race category slots are completely filled.
Get into the game by training for your vertical marathon with these 5 excellent workouts!
