There were no surprises at the Hanoi Vertical Run, one stage of the 2013 Vertical World Circuit, as reigning champions Thomas Dold and Suzanne Walsham brushed aside challengers to claim first place in the men's and women's professional categories.

Dold, a German runner competing in Hanoi for the first time, sped up 1,914 steps to reach the 72nd floor (350m above the ground) in nine minutes and 14 seconds.

Mark Bourne of Australia followed 10sec later while last year's champion, Omar Bekkali of Belgium, completed his run in 10:36.00.

The win was the second consecutive victory for Dold, who previously took the crown at the Beijing Vertical Run.

In the women's category, Suzanne Walsham of Australia won for the second year in a row, completing the race in 10:51.

Melissa Moon of New Zealand came in second, reaching the destination in 12:05.-VNA