800 women raced up Shanghai Tower in a sky-high challenge celebrating strength, friendship, and fitness.
On May 18, the 2025 Shanghai Tower Women’s Vertical Marathon took place at Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China (632 meters, 127 floors). Over 800 women from more than ten countries and regions joined the race.
This is the world’s only all-female tower-run event, organized by Shanghai Tower and supported by the Samaranch Sports Development Foundation. To meet last year’s feedback that “the race wasn’t tough enough,” organizers extended the course from 40 to 50 floors this year.
They also launched a new team category, the “HONEY Team Challenge,” encouraging mother-daughter pairs, sisters, and friends to sign up together. The goal was to add warmth and fun to the race.
In the end, Xu Heping from China won the individual race in 9 minutes and 50 seconds. Ding Shali and Wu Binhui took first place in the HONEY category with a combined time of 26 minutes and 51 seconds.
Personal Challenge Meets Shared Joy
For runner Wang Dan, the race was less about competition and more about inner growth.
Many international runners also joined. Lisa Luzanova from Russia shared that it was her first time participating in a vertical race and that she enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, where participants could even braid their hair and wear makeup, adding to the fun experience.
Pauline Plantin, a student from France, completed the race with pink face paint still on her face. She felt the event was thoughtfully designed for women and said taking part alongside friends was even more meaningful.
Julie Rose Vilvandre, a student-athlete also from France, noted that the casual format made the event feel unique. She appreciated the chance to meet other fitness enthusiasts and experience the city’s welcoming and inclusive spirit.
Vertical Running Rises in Chinese Cities
Vertical running is becoming a new urban fitness trend in China. Cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chongqing now host similar races in skyscrapers. The sport fits well with fast-paced city life—short in distance but high in intensity.
Experts say it boosts cardio health, leg strength, and mental resilience. It also promotes social interaction and city exploration. More young people and women are joining these events to relieve stress, gain confidence, and stay active.
Organizers plan to continue offering women-focused sports events. Their goal is to inspire more women to challenge themselves, connect with others, and enjoy the city through fitness.
Written by Chen Wang, additional reporting by CNS.
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