HA NOI (VNS) — The Ha Noi Vertical Run to be held next month will officially be included as an "Exhibition Race" in the 2015 Vertical World Circuit (VWC) calendar.

The April 18 event is expected to attract several international runners apart from Vietnamese contestants. They will begin their challenge in the lobby of the recently opened Landmark 72, Viet Nam's tallest tower, and once the race begins, ascend a total of 350m to the observation deck of the 72nd floor.

Participants who manage to complete the 1,914-step climb will be rewarded with a stunning view of Ha Noi's skyline.

The VWC comprises eight races stretching across the globe from New York, London and Paris in the western hemisphere to Sao Paolo in South America and Taipei, Beijing and Shanghai in Asia.

Hong Kong will host the circuit finale in December when the male and female world champions will be crowned.

"We are delighted to see the Ha Noi Vertical Run included in the VWC. The running world in Viet Nam is growing. People are very excited about taking part in challenging sporting events. The race's recognition will motivate runners even more," said David Shin of event organiser Sporting Republic. Shin is very familiar with the VWC, having organised vertical runs in both HCM City and Ha Noi.

People interested in participating can register online or on site for a fee of between US$20-25 (VND420,000 – 530,000) per person. The event's website, www.runhanoi.com, has more information. — VNS