Athletes raced up 1665 steps of France's famous tower. Photo: Getty ImagesThe Eiffel Tower was transformed into a sparkling vertical racecourse on Thursday night, as athletes dashed to the top of the iconic Paris monument in an annual race. Puffing, yet in good spirits, 129 runners from five continents made their way, one-by-one, up 1665 steps to see who could reach the windy apex of the 324-metre structure in the fastest time. Along with bouquets, the winners took home models of the Eiffel Tower. This year, the vertical race of the Eiffel Tower celebrates Paris' designation as the venue for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, organisers said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 16, 2018 03:33 UTC