The 2016 Binhai International Climbing Competition was held in the central business district of Binhai New Area in Tianjin on September 24, attracting nearly a thousand competitors from various countries such as Russia, Thailand and Indonesia.

Participants begin their run at the 2015 Binhai International Climbing Competition. [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

Participants needed to run two kilometers, passing through Yujiapu, the business center of Binhai District, and then climb to the top of the 57-floor Huaxia Financial Center to finish the contest.

Hao Hongpeng from Shenyang, Liaoning province, finished in 13.03 minutes, winning the men's division and Zhang Lijun, a Binhai local climber, won the women's in a time of 18.12 minutes.

Ninety-five students from Yemen, Singapore, Nepal,Egypt and other countries gathered at the Tianjin University of Science and Technology to take part in the climbing competition. [Photo/ Tianjin University of Science and Technology]

Fast becoming a trademark sports event in Binhai District, the climbing competition has been held for three years. The challenge of the 2016 contest is new compared to those of the past – a 249.7 meter climb, with 1,492 steps.

A lovers relay race was also held, aiming to make couples learn about hard-won happiness. Ladies needed to finish a 520-meter run and the gentlemen raced up 57-floors, after which the couples repledged their love.