Runners race up Central TV Tower in Beijing

Runners dash from the starting point to race up the China Central TV Tower in Beijing on Sunday, November 1st, 2009. (CRI online Photo)

More than 300 runners from around China skipped the elevator in the China Central Television Tower on Sunday afternoon to take the stairs instead -- all 1,597 of them.

The race to the top of Beijing's tallest building has been held annually since 1995, and consists of two laps of the base followed by a 225 meter climb to the tower's observation deck.

The challenge, which included some of China's top runners, saw Liu Jianhai from Tianjing reach the top of the tower fastest in 10 minutes and 23 seconds.

"I am very happy and I will come next year to break the record of 9 minutes and 51 seconds!" Liu boldly pronounced during the prize award ceremony.

Although Beijing's saw its first snow this winter on Sunday, this wasn't enough to cool the enthusiasm of the competitors, which included athletes and amateurs from around China.

Wang Jiandong from north China's Zhang Jiakou city won the middle-aged men's category for the third time, finishing in 10 minutes and 30 seconds.

"I am a worker from Zhang Jiakou and arrived in Beijing by train less than one hour before the race because of the snow. Anyhow, I'm delighted I achieved a personal best today," Wang told CRI.

40- year-old Wang first participated in the race in 2005 since when he has won three first places and two second places. "I loved sports as a child. Physical exercise makes me happy and is good for my health, so I often take part in this kind of competition," he said.

When asked for tips on how to win the race, Wang explained, "Firstly, you should not be anxious about winning, and you must climb the stairs at a constant speed. You should also have strong legs."

Source: CRI online
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