Tower Running Professional Arrives for The Torch-Doha Hotel Staircase Run

Thomas Dold in front of The Torch Doha at Aspire Zone

Thomas Dold, a world beater in the sport of professional tower running, arrived in Doha on Wednesday 13 February evening ahead of Aspire Zone Foundation’s (AZF) Torch-Doha Hotel Staircase Run.

The seasoned runner will complete the 1,304 staircase climb ahead of the event on Saturday 16 February and set the fastest time for the contestants to beat. He will then be on hand to cheer on the participants and meet spectators.

Dold won his record seventh consecutive race to the top of the Empire State Building in 2012 and understands the difficulties associated with competing in such a physically demanding challenge.

The German endurance runner offered some advice to the athletes preparing for the race on Saturday:

It is tempting to start out fast, but you’ll burn through your energy levels quickly. There are 51 floors to get through, so the runners need to make sure they pace themselves.

This is the first time the athlete has visited the Middle East, and he praised Aspire Zone, Aspire is the perfect place to train… the facilities are fantastic and the weather is great. I am extremely impressed.

Thomas Dold at a staircase race

I usually fly home straight after I complete a race, but Qatar is doing a lot for the industry right now and I want to make the most of my visit and explore the country, he added.

Dold is also a backwards runner enthusiast – otherwise known as ‘retro running’ – and holds a number of records, including the Guinness World Record for running backwards one kilometer in 3 minutes 20 seconds.

Organised in partnership with Aspire Logistics and The Torch-Doha Hotel, the second annual Torch-Doha Hotel Staircase Run will kick off at 10 am on Saturday 16 February 2013.