Where: Taipei, China

When: May 15

Details: The 2011 Vertical World Circuit - the world’s first and only skyscraper racing circuit – is in full swing as the races continue.

Eight races stretch across the globe from the capital cities of New York, London and Milan to Basel and Berlin in the heart of Europe and on to Taipei and Singapore in the Far East. For the first time, the grand final will be held in South America, in San Paolo, Brazil where the Vertical World Circuit® champions will be crowned in November.

Interestingly, many of the top runners competing in this “indoor” sport are accomplished runners “outdoors”. Gruelling races across the world’s mountain ranges are their bread and butter and include names such as six times World Mountain Running Champion, Marco De Gasperi from Italy. Italians are prominent in this sport with Fabio Ruga ranked second and, in the women’s field, Daniela Vassalli, second, and Cristina Bonacina, third. Third man in the 2010 VWC ranking was Spaniard Ignacio Cardona.

The success of the circuit speaks for itself: in 2010 more than 7,000 runners took part from 30 countries and last year’s top ten ranked men and women represented eleven nations.

High altitude, whether in the mountains or the city, is the exclusive arena of the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF), which governs, promotes and sanctions skyrunning (high altitude mountain running) and skyscraper racing worldwide.

In fact, the limits of human performance at altitude have been among their principal studies since the early 90’s. Scientific research has been carried out on skyscraper racing at Milan’s Vertical Sprint since 2007. The studies have unearthed some interesting results – especially for amateurs and couch potatoes who can safely use stair climbing to help lose weight fast and as a general health benefit.

The vertical running trend is taking off around the globe so look out for news of the winners and the next stages of the exciting 2011 Vertical World Circuit.

More info: www.verticalrunning.org