International Towerthon Happening on December in Kuala Lumpur

November 21, 2006 (PRLEAP.COM) Travel News
This whole month of December, the Telekom Malaysia Kuala Lumpur International Towerthon will happen in Menara Kuala Lumpur, the fourth tallest tower in the world. This international towerthon is an annual event where runners from around the world race up the 2,058 steps of the Menara Kuala Lumpur tower.

The towerthon consists of different local and international categories including Men and Women Opens, Men and Women Juniors, Boy and Girl Juniors, and Disabled Men and Women Categories. Competitors vie to reach the top of the tower in the shortest time possible. The race will start at the main gate, where runners will take a 800-meter dash towards the base of the tower as a warm up run. At the upper ground floor, they will race up the stairs to reach the finish line – the Tower Head Level 3.

The Menara Kuala Lumpur is a 421-meter telecommunications tower that was built in 1991 and completed in 1996. It is situated right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The first national towerthon was held in the said tower in 1998. Its original aim was to promote staircase running among local sports buffs. Because of its popularity, it later became an international event.

Staircase running, also known as tower running or tower racing, is a relatively new sport that requires runners to run up staircases of the tallest structures and buildings in the world. Usually, contenders vie for a monetary prize.

The Telekom Malaysia Kuala Lumpur International Towerthon is organized by Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd to promote Malaysian interest and sports activities. The previous record holder was Jonathan Wyatt from New Zealand, who reached the top of the tower in 10 minutes and 24 seconds back in 2001.

Curious visitors and sports buffs who want to witness this unusual sports event can go to Kuala Lumpur and stay at Bintang Warisan Hotel. Located just minutes away from the Menara Kuala Lumpur, this boutique hotel is the perfect location for those attending the event.

Bintang Warisan Hotel has 97 tastefully decorated rooms that speak of comfort and style. Each room is furnished with the necessary amenities to ensure guests of a relaxing stay. For room reservations, log on to: http://www.bintangwarisanhotel.com.