File photo of the 2015 vertical marathon held at the Shanghai World Financial Center in the Lujiazui area, Pudong, Shanghai. [Photo/Pudong Times]

A vertical marathon will be held at the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) in Lujiazui, the city‘s Pudong New Area, on Oct 16.

Vertical marathon, or running the stairs of a very tall building, originated in the US. It has become a recognized sport and according to organizers of the 2015 Asia Pacific International Vertical Marathon, is growing in popularity among active Chinese.

The annual event at the SWFC has been held for five consecutive years since 2010.

The participants will run up the 100 floors and 2,726 steps of the 474 meter building. The top three men's and women's winners will each be awarded prizes worth10,000 yuan ($1,499).

To increase its influence and attract more people to take part, the organizers have invited Ronny Johnsen, famous former Norwegian football player, as a special guest.