International vertical run debuts in Beijing

German Thomas Dold celebrates being the first man to finish the vertical marathon at the rooftop of World Trade Center Tower 3 in Beijing on August 3, 2013.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Runners race for the top during the 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]

An international vertical marathon held at the 330-meter and 82-floor China World Trade Center Tower 3 in Beijing attracted more than 600 runners from home and abroad, trying to overcome the Beijing's highest building as quick as possible.

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.

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. A 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.