Dragon Duncan climbs for Shelter
Duncan Bannatyne
With all of this extreme weather around hill runners will be training up their local office block at this rate, however tower running is gaining credibility the world over with the likes of Step Change and of course the Vertical Running World Circuit.
Vertical Rush considers itself the UK’s original after a highly successful race in 2009 and has this year secured a high-profile patron in the form of Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne. Shelter, the charity behind the run, have also recruited popular faces from TV.
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Duncan Bannatyne, the entrepreneur and star of hit TV show Dragon’s Den, is calling on Londoners to get fit for the New Year and join him in conquering Vertical Rush, the original and biggest tower running event in the UK.
Vertical Rush is a uniquely demanding event that challenges participants to race up the 42 floors of Tower 42, the tallest building in the city of London, to raise money for housing charity Shelter. Vertical Rush returns for its second year on 25th February 2010 and Bannatyne wants Londoners to shape up for the new year by training for the adrenaline pumping challenge. Duncan will be tackling the 920 stairs for the second successive year, and is hoping he can get close to, or even better, the average race time from last year of 8 minutes 4 seconds.
Duncan comments, “I think Shelter’s cause is incredibly important, finding a safe and secure home for everyone, and I hope this year I will help them smash their fundraising target of £250,000. Vertical Rush is a challenging event, but the sense of satisfaction when you get to the top is unbeatable. If I can do it, anyone can!”
Matt Roberts, one of the world’s most recognised personal trainers, has also pledged his support to Vertical Rush. Matt is offering great prizes for those competing in the event, with the fastest 30+ year old, 40+ and 50+ winning three training sessions with a personal trainer at City club gym. He has also provided some training tips which are available on Shelter’s website – www.shelter.org.uk/verticalrush.
Matt comments, “Tower running is a fantastic way to get fit and easy to train for almost anywhere. I am delighted to be involved with Vertical Rush and am looking forward to taking on the challenge!”
Inspired by the famous Empire State Building ‘Run Up’ which takes place annually in New York, Vertical Rush sees groups of chip-timed runners, who compete individually or in teams, setting off in hourly slots to set their personal bests. Following the extraordinary popularity of 2009’s event where 600 runners raised over £165,000 for Shelter, Vertical Rush 2010 is hoping to attract 1200 runners who will be aiming to raise more than £250,000.
Louise Parkes, Shelter’s Director of Fundraising, said: “The first Vertical Rush was a towering success thanks to the fantastic effort from all those who scaled the 42 floors of Tower 42. We’re sure the second Vertical Rush will be bigger and better and raise even more funds for Shelter’s vital work helping homeless and badly housed families.”
Other famous faces that participated in Vertical Rush 2009 included Gladiator Tempest and Blue Peter’s Andrew Akinwolere.
