Taipei 101 Vertical Marathon: Taiwan’s Most Unique Running Event

Conquer 2,046 steps to reach the 91st-floor observation deck of Taipei 101—this is the Taipei 101 Vertical Marathon, Taiwan’s most distinctive and unforgettable running event.

Event Basic Information

• Official Name: Taipei 101 Run Up
• Date: Annually around February (after the Lunar New Year)
• Course: Starting from the 1st-floor lobby, climbing to the 91st-floor observation deck
• Total Steps: 2,046
• Vertical Height: Approximately 391 meters
• Number of Participants: Around 2,000
• World Ranking: Affiliated with the SkyRunning Federation, one of the world’s major skyscraper running events

Course Features

Staircase Structure

The stairs in Taipei 101 are not uniformly vertical at 90 degrees but feature slight turns following the building’s design:

• B1–20F: Relatively wide steps, suitable for opening up your stride
• 20–60F: Standard section, key to maintaining rhythm
• 60–91F: Final sprint section, steps narrow slightly and oxygen levels begin to feel lower

Comparison with Other World Skyscraper Runs

Building	Floors	Steps	Current Record
Taipei 101	91F	2,046	Approximately 9 min 30 sec
Empire State Building (New York)	86F	1,576	Approximately 9 min 33 sec
Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur)	86F	2,058	Approximately 11 min
Shanghai Tower	119F	2,879	Approximately 15 min

Competitive Analysis

Elite Group vs. General Group

The Taipei 101 Vertical Marathon features two main categories:

Elite Group:

• Fierce competition, with the world’s top vertical marathon runners invited
• Finish times: Men approximately 9–11 min, Women approximately 11–14 min
• Strategy: Nearly all-out pace from start to finish

General Group:

• Divided by gender and age
• Typical amateur participants: 15–25 minutes
• Recreational participants: 25–40 minutes

Factors Affecting Performance

1. Aerobic Capacity (VO2max): Vertical marathons demand extremely high aerobic capacity; the short-duration, high-intensity effort is similar to a 400–800 meter sprint
2. Leg Explosive Power: Every step requires lifting your body weight, equivalent to continuous squats
3. Technical Efficiency: Using the arms to assist on the railing (allowed) vs. pure leg strength is a key differentiator
4. Mental Endurance: The highly repetitive stair-climbing motion requires intense focus

Vertical Marathon Training Methods

Building Base Fitness

The core of vertical marathon training is stair climbing (obvious, but backed by science):

Training Plan (8-Week Preparation):

Week	Main Training	Supplementary Training
Weeks 1–2	Climb 10–15 floors × 5 sets daily	Leg strength training
Weeks 3–4	Climb 20 floors × 5 sets daily	Aerobic running
Weeks 5–6	Long climb (find a 50-story building and climb the full distance) × 2	Sprint intervals
Week 7	Simulated race-pace climbing	Extended recovery
Week 8 (Pre-race)	Taper, maintain muscle activation	Easy running

Key Muscle Training

Quadriceps (primary muscle group for stair climbing):

• Back Squat: 3 × 8 reps
• Split Squat: 3 × 10 reps (per leg)
• Step-up: Mimics the stair-climbing motion

Glutes:

• Hip Hinge
• Single-leg Bridge

Cardiorespiratory System:

• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): 10 × 400 meters, 90-second rest intervals
• VO2max training: 3–4 × 5-minute all-out runs

Race Technique Essentials

Arm Technique

In the Taipei 101 race, using the railing to pull is permitted and can improve performance by 10–15%:

• Grip the railing with palms facing inward, using pulling force to assist leg drive
• Alternate arm and leg power to improve efficiency
• Avoid gripping too tightly, which can cause premature forearm fatigue

Pacing Strategy

• First 20 floors: Control the urge to go fast, conserve energy (approximately 60–70% of max effort)
• Floors 20–70: Steady output (approximately 80–90% of max effort)
• Floors 70–91: All-out sprint to the top (100% output)

Breathing Rhythm

• Breathe once every 2–3 steps (depending on personal rhythm)
• Avoid holding your breath; maintain regular breathing
• Hyperventilation may occur at higher floors; stay calm

Global Vertical Marathon Culture

Vertical running is a worldwide sport:

• SkyRunning Federation: Manages global skyscraper running event points
• Vertical World Series: Held annually at more than 20 skyscrapers worldwide
• Taipei 101’s Status: One of Asia’s most renowned skyscraper running events

Registration Information

• Registration opens annually around October–December
• Limited spots (approximately 2,000), first come, first served
• Fee: Approximately NT$800–1,500
• Finisher Gifts: Unique 101 summit souvenirs

Whether you’re a competitive runner or a running enthusiast looking to experience a unique event, the Taipei 101 Vertical Marathon is an unforgettable challenge. The moment you reach the top and overlook the Taipei Basin is a feeling no training can prepare you for.

Related Reading

• Taroko Gorge Marathon: Climbing Strategies and Altitude Adaptation for Mountain Races
• Taipei Marathon Complete Guide: Route Analysis and Pacing Strategies
• Taipei Marathon Full Guide: Route, Aid Stations, and Pacing Strategies
• Taipei Marathon Ultimate Guide: A Comprehensive Walkthrough from Registration to Finish