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October 30, 2011

World Champion Wins Vietnam’s First Vertical Run

Reigning Vertical World Champion Thomas Dold of Germany won the inaugural Bitexco Vertical Run on Sunday, setting the overall fastest time up the Bitexco Financial Tower - Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest building.

3 Nam Vdv Vo Dich Bitexco Trao Giai

2 Nu Vdv Vo Dich Bitexco Trao Giai

Winning the event is Dold’s fifth outright victory on this year’s Vertical World Circuit, placing him first on the men’s ranking. The 27-year old German finished in a time of 4 minutes and 51 seconds to take home the winning prize purse of US$1,500.

‘This is my first time in Vietnam, so I am very happy to have come here and have won this great challenge in such a beautiful city. The highlight is the fantastic view over Ho Chi Minh City’s when reaching the finish line, makes the whole effort worthwhile. I’m definitely looking forward to coming back for next year’s race.’ Dold said.

Thomas Dold

Emanuele Manzi of Italy was placed second, 36 seconds behind, clocking 5 minutes and 27 seconds. Local Vietnamese runner Nguyen Ngoc Quang came third in 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

In the women’s division, Italy’s Valentina Belotti climbed to her third win of the year, finishing in 6 minutes 19 seconds, beating New Zealand’s Melissa Moon by 15 seconds.

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“Having training so hard for this race, it is the sweetest victory.” she said. “I had to dig deep today to win. To be crowned the first Bitexco Vertical Run champion is a great honour.”

Bridget Robertson of New Zealand finished third in 6 minutes 59 seconds.

Double amputee Dwayne Fernandes of Australia, whose legs were amputated due to a birth defect, also completed the run in a time of 14 minutes and 31 seconds.

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"I hope my participation will give motivation to other people with disabilities in Vietnam to be more active and join these kind of events" Fernandes said. “The race organisers have been fantastic and without their support, my participation in Vietnam would not have been possible”

Guest-of-Honour, Mr Nguyen Minh Tri, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People Committee, was in attendance to witness the event.

“We are proud to support and host an international event of this nature in our beautiful city”, said Mr Nguyen Thanh Rum, Director of Cultural, Sport and Tourism Department of Ho Chi Minh City. This event has again confirmed for Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City on its path of international integration in all fields of economic, social, sports and culture. Ho Chi Minh City is very proud to get along with other skyscrapers around the world hosting this fantastic cultural and sports event for the community. This is a great opportunity for our community to experience special type of sports, also to promote Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City’s international image in particular. We hope the event continues to grow and helps put Ho Chi Minh City on the international map in all fields.”

Mr In Suk Ko, CEO, Bitexco Group said: "We are extremely proud to see the first event become such a resounding success. We are happy to support community events at our properties, especially those that help raise funds for charity and I hope they continue to grow and flourish in Vietnam. Every one of the 500 runners confirms our commitment to this wonderful event." He said.

As the official charity of the event, all proceeds from paid race entries will be donated to East Meets West Foundation’s (EMW) INSPIRE Sports, a programme supporting disabled people in Vietnam by providing sports and recreational activities.

Race Results:

Men’s Overall