About 1,500 runners from 15 countries and regions took part in the 2026 International Vertical Marathon at Ping An Finance Center in Shenzhen on Saturday.
The 7th edition of the event, organized by Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, saw athletes race up 3,201 steps to the 116th floor of the 599-meter landmark skyscraper -- the nation’s second-tallest building located in the city’s Futian Central Business District.
The participants included world champions, amateur runners and corporate teams.
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Soh Wai Ching from Malaysia came first in the men’s elite group with a time of 19 minutes and 23 seconds, smashing the course record, while Croatia’s Tea Faber retained her women’s elite title, with both setting their personal bests.
Vertical marathons use urban skyscrapers as tracks, providing a convenient fitness option for city dwellers and symbolizing the relentless upward spirit, said Tao Yunfeng, chairman of the Vertical Marathon Association Asia Pacific.
The association will continue to deepen its cooperation with the management of Ping An Finance Center, upgrade the event in terms of organization, services and promotion to jointly build a world-renowned vertical marathon brand, and enhance the international influence of China’s vertical marathons, he said.
Sheng Ruisheng, secretary of the board and brand director of Ping An Group, emphasized the organizer’s philosophy in staging the event.
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“Adhering to an ‘international, professional and humanistic’ approach, we safeguard every runner’s journey with comprehensive support and pass on upward strength through public welfare,” he said.
The company said it’s committed to making the race a cultural calling card, showcasing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s international image, facilitating cross-regional exchanges, and highlighting Shenzhen’s innovative spirit by raising professional organization standards, international visibility and participation in the event.
Contact the writer at sally@chinadailyhk.com
