The 2025 Shanghai Tower Towerrunning Challenge is set to take place from November 22 to 23, marking a significant expansion in its history. For the first time, the event will span two days, with the participant quota increased to 3,000, setting a new record in terms of scale. Organized by Shanghai Tower and supported by the Samaranch Sports Development Foundation, the challenge has been a prominent fixture in Shanghai’s sports calendar since its inception in 2017. It is widely regarded as a benchmark event, celebrated for its large scale, high points, and the unique setting of the world’s tallest building.
Juan Antonio Samaranch, vice-president of the International Olympic Committee and the ambassador for the challenge, emphasized the significance of the event in a video message. ‘Shanghai Tower stands as a pinnacle of human urban architecture,’ he stated. ‘Towerrunning epitomizes the ultimate test of will and physical endurance. The fusion of this sport with this iconic building perfectly embodies the timeless theme of striving upward.’
Samaranch further expressed his hopes for the event, saying, ‘May it not only become a shining jewel in the global crown of towerrunning challenges but also serve as a bridge, connecting people from all corners of the world to collectively inherit and promote the undying Olympic spirit of resilience and the pursuit of excellence.’
This year’s event will feature both a full-distance race and a fun run. To further encourage local Chinese athletes, a special award will be offered to national participants, aiming to foster the development of domestic talent. The trophy for this year’s challenge, crafted by the Jingdezhen Ceramic Flagship Store, is engraved with the race’s key markers: ‘3,398 steps, 119 floors, and a vertical height of 552 meters.’
Registration for the event is now open, with participants able to sign up via Shanghai Tower’s official WeChat account and designated partner platforms.