A stair-climbing race will kick off in Viet Nam's tallest building, the Kaengnam Landmark Tower, in Ha Noi on September 30.

The event will draw over 500 participants, including both amateur and elite athletes. Among them is Suzy Walsham from Australia, the three-time winner of the New York Empire State run-up.

Runners will compete to be the fastest up 1,914 stairs to the top of the 72-storey building. They will start in groups of 10 to 15 at 5-minute intervals to avoid bumping into each other.

Participants will be encouraged to raise funds for needy people by making direct donations on the day.

The event has been added to the 2012 Vertical World Circuit which features major cities including New York, London, Milan, Singapore and Ha Noi.

Last October, the first vertical run in Viet Nam was held in HCM City's Bitexo Financial Tower. Germany's defending world champion Thomas Dold claimed the title, finishing the 1,002 step climb to reach the 49th floor in less than five minutes. — VNS