Italian athlete Fabio Ruga defended his title in the men’s Elite race with a winning time of 4:37, repeating the success he achieved last year. In the women’s competition, Austria’s Annemarie Wilhelm took victory in 5:50. The men’s podium was completed by Iván Vuletic in second place with 4:43 and Emanuele Manzi in third with 4:58. In the women’s race, Valentina Belotti finished second in 5:56 and Kamila Chomanicova placed third in 6:06.
The event once again stood out for its lively atmosphere and the strong anticipation it generated among both athletes and spectators. Included for the ninth consecutive year in the international Towerrunning World Association circuit, the race sold out a month in advance, underlining its popularity among specialists from many different countries.
With its 52 floors, 924 steps and 190 metres of elevation gain, the climb at the Gran Hotel Bali offers a unique sporting challenge and remains one of the leading events in this discipline worldwide. Its striking setting, combined with the sporting atmosphere and international field, makes it a memorable experience both for competitors and for visitors enjoying Benidorm.
Alongside the Elite race, the day also featured the Equipped Firefighters and Open categories. In Equipped Firefighters, Hutois Hutois took first place in 7:18, ahead of Carlos Tejeda in 7:20 and Joakin Torres in 7:22. In the Open category, Hutois Hutois also secured victory with a time of 5:32, followed by David Concepción in second with 5:37 and Sergio Olivares in third with 5:48.
The Vertical Climb of the Gran Hotel Bali once again highlights Benidorm as an ideal destination for enjoying major international sporting events in a unique urban setting by the Mediterranean.
