Chongqing — Nearly 1,000 runners raced up one of Chongqing’s tallest towers on Saturday as the 13th Chongqing Jiefangbei Vertical Run returned to the city’s historic core, turning the Jiefangbei commercial district into a lively arena of endurance and skyline views.

Participants gathered before dawn at the foot of the Jiefangbei Monument, launching from the city’s most symbolic landmark. Their goal: the 73rd-floor observation deck of the Chongqing World Financial Center (WFC), a climb that has become one of Chongqing’s signature urban challenges.

Runners take off from Jiefangbei Square at the start of the 13th Chongqing Jiefangbei Vertical Run on Dec. 6. ( Photo/Chongqing Daily)

This year’s race continued Yuzhong District’s effort to bring sporting events into scenic sites, neighborhood blocks, and major shopping areas. By anchoring the event in a major commercial hub, organizers aimed to boost foot traffic and create a lively, festival-like atmosphere.

The race featured several popular categories, including the Mass Individual Race, Couples Race, and Team divisions, drawing a wide range of participants. Nearly half of the competitors traveled from outside Chongqing, coming from Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and overseas.

Sixteen-year-old Sam from South Africa, a student at Lucton School Chongqing, joined after a family member recommended the event. “I love this city, and I wanted to experience its height with my own steps,” he said.

For many runners, the motivation was personal. Liu Lu and his wife, Chen Xinyi, finished the race together on their 11th wedding anniversary. “She ran ahead, I chased her—just like when we first met,” Liu joked as the couple received their medals.

Wang Hansheng, a retired veteran from Wuhan nearing 70, completed the course despite his age. His wife had planned to participate as well, but withdrew due to unstable blood pressure. He carried both of their race bibs to the top, and organizers presented him with two medals in recognition of their shared effort.

After reaching the summit, many runners stopped to take photos overlooking the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. “All the fatigue disappeared the moment I saw this view,” said 21-year-old Yuan Shen’an from Dazhou, Sichuan.

Participants race up the stairwells of the Chongqing World Financial Center during the vertical run. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

The vertical run also energized the surrounding business district, where a sports carnival featured drone soccer, jump-rope challenges, and other interactive activities. According to preliminary estimates from malls in Yuzhong District, competitors and spectators were expected to spend nearly 1 million yuan over the weekend.

Officials said the race reflects Chongqing’s commitment to expanding public fitness opportunities and leveraging sports events to boost commercial vitality and enhance the city's urban appeal.