Legs and lungs put to test in Dubai

Set at A W Rostamani 21st Century Tower, the stair climb was an initiative organised by Dynamisan, Novartis Consumer Health, to challenge participants in this unique test of speed and endurance.

Jalal Bin Thaneya joined the participants in braving this intense challenge. An Emarati fitness celebrity, Bin Thaneya set a new world record by climbing up and down 100 high rise towers in an incredible record of 12 days.

"Everyone assumes you have to be an iron-man to achieve this," says Bin Thaneya, "but with a little commitment there is no limit to what you can accomplish."

30 participants completed the climb, however only 21 emerged victorious.

Julien Criel completed the stair climb in under 14:38 minutes making him the fittest, fastest stair-climber and the winner of the Dynamisan High Rise Stair Climb.

"I'm ecstatic to have won the Dynamisan High Rise Stair Climb," said Julien. "It was a challenge of my strength but it was determination that pulled me through in the end." he added. Hot on his trail was Betrage Cedris, who completed the race in 15:17 minutes, securing second place followed by Joao Monteiro, who came in third.

Julien was awarded the LifeFitness C1 LifeCycle exercise bike from Fitworx, exclusive dealers for LifeFitness in the UAE, while Betrage received a one-month Original Military Bootcamp course courtesy of Physical Advantage and Joao received a shopping spree at Giordano.

Climbing up and down 55 flights of stairs represented an interesting challenge to participants.

"Some people surprised themselves as to what they achieved and for others it was an eye opener to the importance of being fit," comments Samah ElManzalawy, Dynamisan Brand Manager form Novartis Consumer Health. "With a bit of energy and commitment people can work on improving their fitness levels and the stair climb brought a unique approach to exercising," she added.

The aim of the stair climb was to encourage participants to be creative with their surrounding when incorporating exercise to stay fit and healthy.

NCH is focused on promoting fitness and regular exercise and encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles.

The climb was the first of many which are to be held regionally in iconic tall buildings across the GCC.