Runners step up and take it to the next level

The bright sunshine on Sunday afternoon helped fire up the 300 runners who took part in a grueling climb up the stairs of China Central Television Tower, but, despite their best efforts, the record time was not beaten.

The participants, who ranged in age from 16 to 55, included 14 specially invited former champions of similar annual climbing contests, which have been held at seven other famous towers including Taipei 101 (also known as the Taipei Financial Center) and Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower.