SEOUL, Apr. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – Lotte World Tower, South Korea’s tallest building, held the ’2024 Sky Run’ vertical marathon on April 20, challenging participants to conquer 2,917 stairs scaling all 123 floors from the ground level.
The nation’s largest and highest vertical race has been an annual event since 2017, with around 8,000 climbers participating cumulatively through last year.
Before this year’s start, Lotte Corporation CEO Jang Jae-hoon addressed the runners: “I sincerely cheer on everyone’s brave challenge and passion at Korea’s premier vertical marathon. I urge you to make safety the top priority and hope you gain a great sense of accomplishment and special memories today.”
A record 2,200 participants from diverse backgrounds joined the 2024 edition, including international contenders from the United States, Japan and Malaysia.
Unique entrants included an 82-year-old attempting the grueling climb for the second consecutive year, a 3-year-old toddler, maritime police officers and firefighters.
Divided into competitive and non-competitive categories, with a newly introduced “Kids Run” allowing one parent to race alongside their child, the men’s overall and top individual crown went to An Bong-jun with a blistering 19 minute 27 second ascent. Kim Bo-bae led the women’s field in 22:59.
The inaugural Kids Run saw a family with an intellectually disabled child, Kim Tae-kyung, climb halfway up to the 60th floor in an inspirational display of perseverance.
The top three individual finishers in each gender category received trophies along with prizes like 1.23 million won Lotte gift cards, dining vouchers at Signiel Seoul, and 300,000 won Puma Korea product exchange coupons.
All finishers earned medals and kits containing snacks and beverages from Lotte Chilsung and Korea Seven, plus Puma Korea discount coupons.
Lotte Innovate also issued non-fungible token (NFT) certificates commemorating their vertical marathon achievement.
Entry fees will be donated in full to Lotte Welfare Foundation’s Bobath Children’s Hospital rehabilitation center construction fund.
Men’s champion An Bong-jun, reflecting on his triumphant yet grueling climb, said “I hit a wall around the 100th floor but refused to give up, aiming to break 18 minutes and defend my title next year.”
Alongside the Sky Run, the Lotte Family Vertical Marathon brought together employees and their families from 50 Lotte affiliates, with over 2,200 participating.
Each contributed 10,000 won toward a donation pool benefiting the Bobath Children’s Hospital, following an employee sign-up of 6,000 applicants in March.
Image credit: Yonhap, Lotte Property & Development / photonews@koreabizwire.com
