International vertical run debuts in Beijing (4)

Some 600 runners from home and abroad participated in an international vertical run competition here on Saturday, trying to scale Beijing's highest building as quick as possible.

The event, the fourth leg of the 2013 Vertical World Circuit, was the first time the competition was held in the Chinese mainland.

Thomas Dold from Germany was crowned the men's group champion when he took 10 minutes and 22 seconds to climb 82 floors, or 2,041 stairs, in Beijing's China World Summit Wing. The title of women's group went to Australian Suzy Walsham, who finished the route in 11 minutes and 46 seconds.

"I think walking up stairs is an effective and time-saving way to keep fit for urban people, it is a good way to exercise," said Suzy Walsham, an accountant and the mother of a three-year-old girl.

Walsham is the four-time champion of the Empire State Building race. Living in a 30-floor apartment in Singapore, she walks the stairs in the building everyday in preparation for the race.

79-year-old Li Xingyuan from China was the oldest runner in Saturday's race.

"Top runners may walk up to the top floor in ten minutes, but I give myself one hour. Finishing the height is my triumph," said Li.

Saturday's event is part of the Vertical World Circuit held by the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF), which has organized competitions in some of the world's most iconic skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building in New York City.