International Sporting Event -- Vertical World Circuit 2013 Grand Final
Worldwide Vertical Runners Gather to Challenge 2,120 Flights of Stairs
HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 'The Race to ICC-100 -- SHKP Vertical Run for the Chest 2013' ("Race to ICC-100") organized by Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) and the Community Chest of Hong Kong will be held on 1 December (Sunday) at Hong Kong's tallest building International Commerce Centre (ICC). Event Organizing Committee Chairman Raymond Kwok and Co-chairmen Patrick Chan and Edward Cheung announced today (9 October) at the sky100 Hong Kong Observatory Deck that entries are being accepted until 15 November. All proceeds from the race will go to child and youth services.
Raymond Kwok said: "SHKP is honoured and excited to present this healthy charity event again for the people of Hong Kong. I am pleased to announce on behalf of the organizing committee that the 'Race to ICC-100' is part of the international sporting scene as one of the major races in the 2013 Vertical World Circuit, which will see many elite, world-class athletes in Hong Kong to compete in the grand final of the series, with the overall Vertical World Circuit champion crowned in Hong Kong."
Mr Kwok went on to say: "Stairs are perfect for exercise in the busy city. You don't need any special equipment or investment to start walking up and down stairs or exercise by running. Both are good for health."
Get fit and develop teamwork in the 2,120-stair challenge
There will be four categories in the "Race to ICC-100": Elite, Individual, Corporate Relay and Fun Climb. Top international and local runners will be invited to join the Elite Race and the general public can challenge themselves individually or in teams of four to race up the 2,120 stairs. There will be a new Fun Climb this year so people can get an easy introduction to this world-class vertical run and take part in a charity sporting event. Entries are being accepted and people can download forms from the official web site (www.VerticalRunHK.com) or apply online. Last entries will be on 15 November. See the event web site for details.
Finale of 2013 Vertical World Circuit -- international athletes to gather at ICC
The 2013 "Race to ICC-100" will be the last of eight races in the Vertical World Circuit. The Circuit is organized by the International Skyrunning Federation every year with stair races at iconic skyscrapers around the world. The Hong Kong finale will have the most stairs to challenge the runners' endurance and strength and the International Skyrunning Federation will ensure that it complies with international standards.
Supported by experienced medicine and sports experts
The organizers have a team of professionals made up of International Skyrunning Federation Vice President and Executive Director Lauri van Houten, Hong Kong Association of Sports Medicine and Sports Science President Gary Mak, Hong Kong Baptist University Department of Physical Education Associate Professor Lobo Louie and board member of The Community Chest of Hong Kong Lionel Lam.
Dr Louie said: "Scientific research shows that stair climbing brings multiple health benefits. An English report showed that walking 100 stairs daily, which is 700 stairs, can reduce the risk of premature death by about 20%. Climbing 200 stairs per day five days per week enhances cardio-respiratory by 18%, reduces low-density cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by 8% and increases high-density cholesterol (good cholesterol) noticeably. Stair climbing is free and easy to do, making it suitable for a wide range of health-conscious people."
Engaging the city with stair-climbing and flash mob events
SHKP will stage various activities in its shopping malls to promote the healthy trend of stair-climbing, including competitions for babies and pets, a flash mob cheerleading performance and giving out information about healthy living and encouraging people to join! People can download the 'Race to ICC-100' mobile phone app, visit www.verticalrunhk.com or www.facebook.com/VerticalRunHK or stop in an SHKP shopping mall for promotional materials and the latest information.
