See you at -Top of Shanghai-! Registration for the world’s highest vertical marathon starts in Shanghai
On October 25, the registration for the 2024 Shanghai Tower Vertical Marathon officially opened. Standing at 552 meters with a staggering 3,398 steps, this marathon has claimed the title of the highest vertical marathon in the world.
In recent years, vertical marathons have gained popularity globally, evolving into an international fitness trend that transcends limitations related to location, time, and weather. Since its inception in 2017, the Shanghai Tower Vertical Marathon is celebrating its fifth edition this year. The event takes place at the Shanghai Tower, situated in the Lujiazui area of the Pudong New District, and stands as China’s tallest building at a total height of 632 meters.
Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., the son of the honorary president of the International Olympic Committee and current vice president, shared his thoughts in a video message during the event’s launch. He emphasized that while achieving the best time is important, the real significance lies in the courage to face the challenge and the perseverance displayed in the pursuit of climbing higher. “Through the challenge of ascending, we transform into better versions of ourselves, and that encapsulates the essence of the vertical marathon,” he stated.
Having participated in the marathon in 2018, Samaranch Jr. remarked on the difficulty of reaching the summit but encouraged future participants: “For those challenging themselves in 2024, my only advice is to keep moving forward and climbing higher to experience the power of China’s tallest building.”
Since 2018, Samaranch Jr. has consistently served as the event’s ambassador, witnessing its growing international influence each year. In an interview with China News Service, Mei Xue, the general manager of Shanghai Tower Business Operations Company, noted that the event initially attracted just a handful of international participants from select countries. However, its reach has expanded significantly in recent years, with over 2,000 competitors from 26 countries and regions participating in 2023 alone.
This year, the marathon collaborates with Jingdezhen Ceramics to explore the dialogue between modern sports and traditional culture. Yu Xiaobing, party secretary and chairman of the Jingdezhen State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, remarked that the vertical marathon’s message of striving upward and embracing challenges aligns perfectly with the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and the millennia-old kiln fire of Jingdezhen.
The 2024 event is slated to kick off on November 24, with a total of 2,000 places available for participants. It will feature two main categories: the individual full marathon and the individual fun run. To encourage local participation, the event has established a “Special Award for Chinese Athletes” for the second consecutive year.
