Head for the heights in Singapore

Runners and quirky sports enthusiasts who fly to Singapore in November are being invited to "step up" for the city's Vertical Marathon race, which will see 750 runners compete in the world's original run-up race.

The challenge, which will take place on November 5th 2006, is for competitors to ascend the 1,336 steps of the 226 meter tall Swissotel The Stamford, south-east Asia's tallest hotel, in the fastest possible time.

Runners and visitors to Singapore can opt to either simply spectate, or sign up and make a dash for the finish line on hotel's rooftop helipad, in one of the five categories, which include Men's Open, Men's Veteran, Women's Open, Women's Masters and a Corporate Charity Race.

The Guinness World Record for the fastest ascent of the 73-storey hotel was set in 1989 when Mr Balvinder Singh completed the race in six minutes and 55 seconds, although there are other prizes still available for other successful climbers.

The winners of the male and female race categories will then have the opportunity to fly to New York to take part in the prestigious Empire State Run-up.

For more information visit the Vertical Marathon website.

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