International Vertical Marathon to be Held at Lotte Tower This Sunday

Lotte Property and Development will hold this year’s international vertical marathon Sky Run on May 13 (Sunday) at Lotte World Tower in Seoul.

Participants in the marathon will run all the way up to the observatory on the 123th floor, taking on the challenge of climbing a total of 2,917 stairs that are 555 meters tall, the company said on May 8.

Up to 1,500 of both professional and amateur runners are expected to run this year for the cash prizes of 10 million won (US$9,000) and trophies, which will be given to the top three male and female runners.

All proceeds of the marathon will go towards ChildFund Korea, which will then be used to nurture South Korea’s young sports talent.

Lotte World Tower hosted the Sky Run for the first time last year, garnering media attention and becoming the highest run among the Vertical World Circuit races, according to the he International Skyrunning Federation.

One of international marathon series kicks off at Lotte Tower in Seoul this year, with eight other races scheduled to be held around the world including Paris, New York, Beijing and London;

Last year, Australia's Mark Vaughn came first with his record of 15 minutes and 44 seconds.