The UAE’s capital is all set to join the list of world’s iconic towers in hosting a vertical marathon. The ‘Climb to Abu Dhabi’ will see the world’s best professionals and amateurs climb 82 floors, or 1,617 steps, of Etihad Tower in a time trial format, competing for a prize pool of $25,000.

The inaugural event to be held on 27 January 2017 will also see another first in the vertical world, with family, school and community categories competing in a 32-floor / 720-step challenge in the adjacent Tower 3. Originating in the late 70s, the sport of vertical marathons (also called ‘tower running’) has now spread to every continent.

Speaking at the launch, Aref Hamad Al Awani, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Stair climbing is one of the best forms of exercise and the easiest way to work fitness into our busy lives. We encourage everyone to join the stair climbing movement.”

Someone all too familiar with the power of stair climbing is Pole, Piotr Lobodzinski. Crowned world champion in 2013, and consecutively in 2015 and 2016, Lobodzinski was revealed as the event’s brand ambassador.

Speaking on his experience, Lobodzinski said: “Stair climbing can have a powerful and positive impact on your health over time. Whether you are as serious about it as I am or someone who wouldn’t dream of ever taking the stairs unless it was an emergency, all it takes is the power of one step.”

As part of his brand ambassador role, the Polish world champion, in association with Activelife by Daman, will lead free community training programmes as and release an official training guide.