One of Phnom Penh’s tallest office complexes, the Hyundai Phnom Penh Tower on Monivong Boulevard, is the venue for a unique charity event that takes the shape of a vertical marathon over 26 levels at 4:00 pm on January 29.

Sreng Meng Srun/Phnom Penh Post

Alex Hales, the force behind The Phnom Penh Tower Fun Run, speaks to the Post yesterday.

The Phnom Penh Tower Charity Fun Run being organised as a component of Hyundai’s corporate social responsibility has been designed to raise awareness and funds for the non profit Child Helpline Cambodia registered 18 months ago.

The head of marketing and leasing at the Hyundai Tower, Alex Hales, the force behind this novelty run, told the Post yesterday that as many as 60 staircase marathon enthusiasts with charity at heart had already confirmed participation and that he expected the number to reach around 200 on the day of the event.

“It gives a positive spin to the building but more importantly it highlights in a unique fashion a social cause that ensures toll free service country-wide to deal with child abuse  and exploitation,” he said.

“In a way, the inspiration to raise money for Chiid Helpline came to me from the work a similar organisation Childline had been doing back home in England,” he pointed out.

The Phnom Penh Tower run may fall well short of the required 70 odd levels for a proper Vertical Marathon but being the first of its kind the shorter version could still be a thrilling experience for the participants.

The route is a challanging mix of sub level runs and stair case climbs.

After running four levels of parking space, comes 22 flights, 374 steps in all, right up to the top most floor.

The contestants will be flagged off in groups of five on a time trial basis to ensure safety and avoid jostling.

While medical help will be at hand, volunteers and Marshals will monitor the runs at each level. Every entrant gets a free souvenir T shirt and  special prizes are on offer for the Fastest Man and Fastest Woman.

The reward for the one raising the highest donations will be a Phnom Penh-Bangkok return ticket for two, courtesy Air France.

“I hope this run will be an annual feature and that it gets bigger and better,” Alex Hales said.

A child at risk or an adult concerned about a child can use a toll free number 1280. The helpline has been in operation for well over a year. it is manned by qualified and experienced Cambodian staff who are specially trained and answer over 3000 calls per month.

Those willing to either enter the run or make a direct donation can do so through [email protected].