September 01, 2011

World Champion Melissa Moon set to arrive in Vietnam to defend World Title in Bitexco Vertical Run

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 01 September 2011 – Reigning Vertical World Champion Melissa Moon of New Zealand is set to race at the inaugural Bitexco Vertical Run in a bid to defend her world title, when the race takes place on October 30, in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hundreds of participants are expected to take part in the event held at the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower to compete in their respective age groups and to cheer on Moon and the international runners taking part in the elite race. Facing the challenge of running up a total 1,002 steps to a height of 178 metres, the race finishes at the tower’s observation deck on the 49th floor, where participants will be able to enjoy the views of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline and the Saigon River.

Vietnam’s first vertical run is a trial race for the 2011 Vertical World Circuit (VWC), the world’s only skyscraper racing circuit, uniting some of the world’s most iconic skyscraper races. The elite runners participating at the Bitexco Vertical Run will gain crucial points to determine who will be crowned world champion at the end of the year.

Moon defends title

Led by Melissa Moon, the New Zealand runner won the prestigious Empire State Building Run-Up last year to be crowned the 2010 Vertical World Circuit Champion.

Moon, also a two time world mountain running champion, is no stranger to running in Asia, winning in Taipei and Singapore in 2010 and looks ready for a good time in what will only be her third race of the year.

“I'm looking forward to racing in Vietnam for the first time," Moon said.

"I haven't really run as fast as I should be capable of doing so far this year," she said. “I struggled with breathing in my first race of the season in June, which was frustrating.

"I’ve been training hard and I am now feeling fully fit. If I win in Vietnam, it will certainly bring me back up the rankings of the world championship title.”

Race Director David Shin of Sporting Republic said: “This is great news and a bonus for the Bitexco Vertical Run to have Melissa confirmed.

Training advice

When asked if she has any training advice for first time stair climbers, Melissa suggests there are some easy ways to start working towards stair fitness. “Once a day take the stairs instead of the lift if you work or live in a tall building. Try and walk two stairs at a time and use the hand rails to save energy.

“Be sure to do a warm-up that includes quadricep and calf stretches and the first few flights of stairs at an easy pace. Always wear good running shoes and bring water with you to keep hydrated. Also, be sure to do a cool-down that includes a light jog as well as hamstring, calf and quad stretches.

Official Event Website: www.vietnamrun.com

Media Contact:

Sporting Republic
David Shin
Tel: +84 168 224 9305
E-mail: media@vietnamrun.com
Sporting Republic: http://www.sportingrepublic.com

Bitexco Group
Vo Ngoc Lien Huong
Tel: +84 90 888 9451
E-mail: huongvnl.info@bitexco.com.vn
Bitexco Group: http://www.bitexco.com.vn