Why run on the ground when you can race up 91 flights of stairs?
That is the question 4500 runners from 36 countries must have asked themselves before entering the Taipei 101 Run Up.
This annual race starts at ground level—and heads up 91 flights of stairs in Taiwan’s Taipei 101 tower, the eighth tallest building in the world.
Finishing the climb is quite an accomplishment.
“It was slightly over 20 minutes. I am satisfied with the result because I thought I could not finish it. But I did finish, so it’s not too bad,” said first-time competitor Yang Chun-Ming. “I rested about twice in between, drinking some water.”
Australians seem to do especially well at the event. Mark Bourne was the fastest man at 11 minutes 24 seconds. Suzy Walsham, also an Aussie, topped the women with 13 minutes 36 seconds.
Runners from around the world contested the Taipei 101 Run Up.
Paul Crake from Australia holds the men’s record at 10 minutes and 29 seconds. Another Australian, Andrea Mayr, was the quickest woman ever at 12 minutes and 38 seconds.
Organizers posted a $6,600 prize for anyone who could beat these times.
