ASCEND THE RACE OF A LIFETIME AT THE SWISSÔTEL VERTICAL MARATHON 2010 – THE ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIP - SUNDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 2010

Asia’s most exhilarating vertical race – the Swissôtel Vertical Marathon blazes back to Swissôtel The Stamford on Sunday, 21 November 2010. Soaring to a height of 226 metres, Swissôtel The Stamford, Southeast Asia’s tallest hotel, has been the site for Asia’s most gruelling Vertical Marathon since its inception in 1987. From its humble beginnings over two decades ago with only 180 participants, the country’s premier vertical race garnered a record-breaking 1,600 stair runners in 2009.

In line with Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts’ 30th Anniversary, this year’s vertical challenge scales new heights locally and internationally with the Ultimate Championship. Witness world-class competition at its peak as more than 2,500 participants are expected to climb 1336 steps over 73 storeys in the shortest time possible. Whilst the various age categories and Lovebird’s Challenge remain as hot favourites amongst participants, 3 new categories, namely the Swiss Tribute Challenge, Nation Fighter’s Challenge and the Ultimate Championship will debut in this year’s Marathon. The Swiss Tribute Challenge celebrates Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts’ Swiss heritage, whilst the Nation Fighter’s Challenge salutes heroes and heroines who safeguard the security of Singapore. At the top of the league, the Ultimate Championship beckons elite athletes or champions of previous Vertical Marathons to pit their skills against the best for the cash prize of S$2500, whilst champions in the Open category flies to New York for the prestigious, by-invitation only Empire State Building Run Up 2011. All participants who successfully complete the race to the top will receive a personalised certificate and a medal.

In line with Swissôtel The Stamford’s mission of giving back to the community, this year’s Vertical Marathon will raise $40.000 for The Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore (SCAS) and Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF). SCAS, which was established in 1957 provides special education, rehabilitation services, vocational training and gainful employment for children and adults with cerebral palsy in Singapore and whilst the Children’s Cancer Foundation improves the quality of life of children with cancer and their familes through enhancing their emotional, social and medical well-being and the different stages of illness and recovery.

In 2009, amidst a field of a record-setting 1,600 stair runners, German Thomas Dold, the world’s fastest stair climbing phenomenon claimed his second STS Vertical Marathon crown and proved why he is reigning undisputed king of stair racing with another mercurial performance, blazing through 73 storeys to the top of the iconic Swissôtel The Stamford in record-breaking fashion. The athlete beat his 2008 record by a blistering 6 seconds in a new World Record time of 6mins 46secs. Singaporean Balvinder Singh held the record for two decades (since 1989) until Thomas Dold demolished it by an amazing 6 seconds n 2008

Meanwhile, women’s champion Suzanne Walsham will not be defending her crown this year providing other female stair racers a priceless opportunity to win the Women’s title. Considered the ultimate vertical sporting event for runners, the Swissôtel Vertical Marathon had attracted a strong following amongst avid athletes including Suzanne Elizabeth Walsham, reigning Champion of the Vertical Marathon and the Empire State Building Run-up for the last three years, and Pedro Ribeiro, a professional tower climber, who clinched the championship in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

For more information, please visit www.swissotelverticalmarathon.com or email info@swissotelverticalmarathon.com

About the Swissôtel Vertical Marathon
The Swissôtel Vertical Marathon is a signature sports event staged annually by Swissôtel The Stamford since 1987. Participants face a gruelling 226m climb, 1,336 steps up Singapore’s tallest hotel. The vertical race culminates at the hotel’s helipad 73 storeys above ground on an exhilarating high, topped with breathtaking panoramic views of Singapore.

Whilst the average participant takes 15 to 20mins to reach the top, the ultimate Swissôtel Vertical Marathon record yet to be broken in the Guinness Book of World Records is 6mins and 46secs, set by Thomas Dold in 2009.

Conveniently located in the heart of Singapore, Swissôtel The Stamford is a deluxe hotel that boasts a prime Singapore location amid the diversions of the Raffles City shopping complex, just 20 minutes away from Singapore Changi International Airport. Southeast Asia's tallest hotel, Swissôtel The Stamford offers a luxurious range of 1,261 guest rooms and suites with a wealth of amenities, as well as panoramic views of Singapore, Malaysia and parts of Indonesia.

It also boasts an impressive array of 16 restaurants and bars, including the Equinox Complex, Singapore's most exciting dining and entertainment complex. The hotel also houses the 70,000sqft Raffles City Convention Centre; comprising 27 meeting venues with technologically advanced business facilities and services.

Swissotel The Stamford Singapore
2 Stamford Road
Singapore 178882
Contact: Karen Chan
Email : karen.chan@swissotel.com

This release was published on openPR.