Very First Vertical Run Up in Ho Chi Minh City

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest tower in Ho Chi Minh City, the Bitexco Vertical Run Up event took place on October 30, 2025, featuring over 500 athletes from around the globe.

Approximately two-thirds of the participants are Vietnamese, while the remainder comes from 24 different countries. Competitors are categorized into various age groups, ranging from under 19, 20-29, to over 50 years old. To conquer the 49 floors of the tower, which stands at 178 meters, athletes must ascend a total of 1,002 steps.

Alongside enthusiastic amateur athletes, the event also included seasoned international participants such as Thomas Dold from Germany and Melissa Moon from New Zealand, both of whom were previous winners of the Empire State Building Run-Up. Their participation adds an extra layer of excitement and competition for the audience.

All registration fees ($20) will be donated to support initiatives for individuals with disabilities in Vietnam.

The first skyscraper vertical running competition originated in the 1970s, and this sport has rapidly gained popularity worldwide. Iconic towers such as the Empire State Building in New York and Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan, have become preferred venues for such events. The Bitexco Vertical Run Up is recognized as the inaugural tower vertical run-up competition in Vietnam.

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Sports in Vietnam (Vietnam A-Z)