| Thomas Dold once again confirms his prowess as the world’s number one skyscraper racer, despite his second place in the VWC final in Brazil won by Italian Fabio Ruga. Australia’s Suzy Walsham wins the race and takes the title.The King of skyscraper racing, German Thomas Dold, was crowned Vertical World Circuit Champion for the fourth time, despite coming a close second to Italian Fabio Ruga in the Corrida Vertical in Sao Paolo, Brazil on January 25. The ladies’ winner, Australian Suzy Walsham, also took the World Champion title based on ranking points scored in the eight-race Circuit.
Ruga, the man who beat the seemingly invincible Dold by a mere two seconds, reached the summit of the 140 metre builing in 3’04”, Dold was second in 3’06” and third, Belgian Omar Bekkali in 3’16”. The women’s times were 3’45” for winner Suzy Walsham, and Brazilians Criastina Marcia was second in 4’40’ and Alnmeida Ligia, third in 5’19”. Race winner Fabio Ruga, together with three hundred runners, raced up the 672 steps and 29 floors wearing a pair of Vibram® FiveFingers® – the “barefoot sports shoes”, winning Friday’s Vertical World Circuit final outright. January 25th was the date chosen by the Corrida Vertical to celebrate Saõ Paolo’s foundation in 1554. On the same day, an annual “Skyrunning Day” has been introduced to create awareness of the health benefits of tower running to the sports-loving Brazilians.
Skyscraper racing, governed by the International Skyrunning Federation, is becoming increasingly popular: last year more than 7,000 runners from 30 countries took part in the Vertical World Circuit which unites some of the world’s most iconic skyscraper races in eight major cities across four continents – from the Americas to the heart of Europe and the Far East. Look out for the 2013 Vertical World Circuit to be announced shortly by the ISF, where Brazil aims for a repeat performance as one of the major venues. 2012 VWC ranking: Men 1. Thomas Dold (GER) – 494 points 2. Fabio Ruga (ITA) – 450 points 3. Omar Bekkali (BEL) – 428 points Women 1. Suzy Walsham (AUS) – 520 points 2. Cristina Bonacina (ITA) – 294 points 3. Kristin Frey (USA) – 224 points See http://www.corridavertical2012.com.br and www.verticalrunning.org for full information. |
IAN CORLESS 