With a time of less than 15 minutes, Zeng Wenbo, a runner who has topped many vertical run competitions across the country, was crowned the 2017 Canton Tower Run Up champion on Sept 24.

Zeng broke the record of 16 minutes and eight seconds set by a runner last year.

A runner sprints towards the finish line at the 2017 Canton Tower Run Up held at the Canton Tower, the city's most iconic building. [Photo/ycwb.com]

More than 1,800 runners took part in the competition which involves climbing up a total of 2,580 flights of stairs from the second floor to the 112nd floor of the iconic Guangzhou building.

The event, consisting of male and female groups, has become a high-standard event with great influence since its inception three years ago. Zeng topped the male group with a performance of 14 minutes and 36 seconds and Jian Muhua from Linyi city of Shandong province was crowned female group champion with a time of 18 minutes and 22 seconds.

"I just finished a half marathon in Xi'an yesterday; compared with yesterday's competition, today's event was more strenuous," Jian said.

Kenneth Fok, member of Olympic Council of Asia also attended the event. He noted the great importance China has attached to sports activities for the general public and said that it was a great idea to integrate sports activities with Guangzhou's scenic Canton Tower. Kenneth hoped more cities can learn from Guangzhou and get more people involved in sports. 

A woman races up the Canton Tower at the 2017 Canton Tower Run Up held on Sept 24. [Photo/ycwb.com]

Zeng Wenbo, a runner who has topped many vertical run competitions across the country, is crowned 2017 Canton Tower Run Up champion. [Photo/ycwb.com]