STAIRCLIMBING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2023. JAPAN DOMINATES

Posted by Corriendo la Vida on November 20, 2023 in skyrunning, stairclimbing world championship, trail running, trail running spain | Leave a comment

STAIRCLIMBING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2023. JAPAN DOMINATES.  Our SKYRUNNING section brings all the information about the Stairclimbing World Championship in Japan.

The second edition of the ISF Stairclimbing World Championships saw Japan take two gold medals for the men’s and women’s winners at the Harukas Skyrun in Osaka. Italy and Finland took the silver and new entry Mongolia, pocketed two bronze medals.

Photo ©MEETING

STAIRCLIMBING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2023

The race was in one of Japan’s tallest buildings, the Abeno Haurkas, a three-hundred metre-high skyscraper. A staggering 1,047 competitors ascended 1,610 steps, culminating in a breathtaking finish at the observatory on the 59th floor.

Female’s race

Yuri Yoshizumi, 2022 World Champion, and the favorite, electrified the crowd with her triumphant performance, securing her second consecutive title and third win here. Crossing the finish line in 10’20”, a mere six seconds shy of her 2017 record, Yoshizumi expressed her joy, saying, “I’m very happy to be world champion again this year! Osaka is my hometown. I was born and grew up here, so I really wanted to win,” she commented. “I was glad that many athletes from around the world came to Japan to participate. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Stairclimbing World Champs!

Second was Laura Manninen from Finland, demonstrated resilience by clinching the silver, proving her strength after a recent injury and at 50-years-old. Re-confirmed her second position here in 2019. The bronze medal went to another talent Mongolia’s Nomin-Erdene Bayartogtokh, a newcomer to stairclimbing competition.

Photo ©MEETING

Male’s race

Fellow countryman Ryoji Watanabe, one of the world’s top stair climbers, clinched the gold in 8’53”, 24 seconds off the standing record, after a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships. “I finally realised my dream! I’m a really happy person! I would like to thank my many supporters, rivals and friends who competed together..The stairs are my life!”

Italy’s Fabio Ruga, the 2022 bronze medallist, showcased his prowess by securing the silver. Closing the podium, was first-timer Luvsansharav Natsagdorj from Mongolia. The 23-year-old was a double gold medallist at the recent Youth Skyrunning World Championships in Italy –  his first attempt on the international stage, and now, the talented athlete has shown that vertical running, both indoors and out, is just the beginning of a promising future.

Photo ©MEETING

Japan, Finland, Italy and Mongolia head the medal count. Japan is one of the strongest and most active members of the International Skyrunning Federation, with athletes competing and excelling in the various world championships under the management of Dai Matsumoto who also manages an array of numerous skyrunning events across the country.

The 2023 ISF Stairclimbing World Championships were presented by Shinichiro Okuno, President of Meeting Inc, Stairclimbing Japan Circuit, organisers of the Haruka Skyrun for the fifth time.

Marino Giacometti, ISF President, concluded, “Japan has certainly demonstrated their strength, both in holding the World Championships and taking the gold medals. For the first time, a handful of new ISF member countries participated with athletes new to stairclimbing: Bulgaria, Mongolia, Montenegro, Portugal and Serbia – all finishing in the top ten.  The future looks bright for new countries and a new generation of athletes aiming for the sky”.

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STAIRCLIMBING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2023

RESULTS

Men’s podium

• Gold  – Ryoji Watanabe (JPN) –  8’53”61
• Silver –  Fabio Ruga (ITA) – 9’31”83
• Bronze  – Luvsansharav Natsagdorj (MNG)– 9’47”75

Women’s podium

• Gold  –  Yuri Yoshizumi (JPN) – 10’20”06
• Silver  –  Laura Manninen (FIN) – 11’02”17
• Bronze  – Nomin-Erdene Bayartogtokh (MNG) – 11’19”27