Experience a different kind of running competition with Media One Hotel’s Vertical Race, a marathon-inspired stair climb that will challenge participants in a unique way.

The event, which returns for a third year with Tower-running World Association (TWA) as partners, will be held on Saturday, February 18 in Dubai’s Media One Tower. If you’ve never experienced tower running, it’s one of the fastest growing sports as it mixes running with a city atmosphere and has more than 150,000 athletes climb towers and skyscrapers each year.

The Vertical Race will start from the ground level before an approximate one kilometre run through the car park up to parking level 7.

From there, it’s time to hit the stairs, all 700-plus of them, as you make your way up to level 42 to cross the finish line.

Aside from burning a lot of calories, the Vertical Race has plenty of prize money on offer. Winners will receive prizes to the value of Dh50,000, awarded to the top three men and women. This year, however, there’s even a cash prize for anyone who beats the track record.

Felix Hartmann, operations director at Media One Hotel, said: “This year we are expecting even more runners to take up the challenge now that we are offering a cash prize to the winner of the course record. Being partnered with TWA contributes to the reputation of this ever-growing event at Media One.”

“Again our Media One team is in training and is looking forward to preparing and participating in the race. I am the coach, and though they definitely need a little more practice at the moment, we will soon be challenging some of our competitors!”

“For the individuals this year will be more serious and a challenge for personal bests, but we are still looking for corporates to start training and hopefully pitch themselves against some of their rivals.”

After the race, an award ceremony will take place on The Dek on 8, where all participants will receive a special deal for lunch and beverages.

Make sure you sign up for the event through www.premieronline.com before the final registration date of February 16. The cost of entry is Dh99 per person, with the race kicking off at 10:00 on the day.

See for yourself what makes tower running so different and exciting by competing in the Vertical Race.