World Champion Melissa Moon set to arrive in Vietnam to defend World Title

Aug. 29, 2011 - PRLog -- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Reigning Vertical World Champion Melissa Moon of New Zealand is set to race at the inaugural Bitexco Vertical Run in a bid to defend her world title, when the race takes place on October 30, in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hundreds of participants are expected to take part in the event held at the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower to run and to cheer on Moon and the elite runners. Facing the challenge of running up a total 1,002 steps to a height of 178 metres, the race finishes at the tower’s observation deck on the 49th floor, where participants will be able to enjoy the views of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline and the Saigon River.

Vietnam’s first vertical run is a trial race for the 2011 Vertical World Circuit (VWC), the world’s only skyscraper racing circuit, uniting some of the world’s most iconic skyscraper races. The elite runners participating at the Bitexco Vertical Run will gain crucial points to determine who will be crowned world champion at the end of the year.

Moon defends title

Led by Melissa Moon, the New Zealand runner won the prestigious Empire State Building Run-Up last year to be crowned the 2010 Vertical World Circuit Champion.

Moon, also a two time world mountain running champion, is no stranger to running in Asia, winning in Taipei and Singapore in 2010 and looks ready for a good time in what will only be her third race of the year.

“I'm looking forward to racing in Vietnam for the first time," Moon said.

"I haven't really run as fast as I should be capable of doing so far this year," she said. “I struggled with breathing in my first race of the season in June, which was frustrating.

"I’ve been training hard and I am now feeling fully fit. If I win in Vietnam, it will certainly bring me back up the rankings of the world championship title.”

Race Director David Shin of Sporting Republic said: “This is great news and a bonus for the Bitexco Vertical Run to have Melissa confirmed.